Date: 2016-12-16

There was outpour of emotions on Monday when the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command handed over 6-year-old, Medinat Suleiman to her mother, Hajara at the state headquarters in Ilorin.

It was an emotional reunion for mother and child as they shed tears while men and officers of the security agency, family and sympathisers watched helplessly. Recall that National Pilot had reported the abscondment of the young girl from her aunt's home over alleged maltreatment.

She had trekked over a distance of 6km from Apata Yakuba to Kabba road, Lajorin Street within the state capital, where she was sighted wandering at night by residents.

Medinat was subsequently brought to National Pilot corporate office along Asa Dam road by a Good Samaritan, where she narrated her ordeal to our reporter.

However, when asked how she felt over the reunion, in an emotional laden voice, the girl expressed happiness, saying she never wished to leave her mother again. The elated mother thanked this medium and the Good Samaritan, Mrs. Grace Iyabo Babalola, for ensuring the safety of her child.

"The situation could have been worse given what is happening all around (kidnapping). I thank God for using National Pilot and the woman for keeping my child safe through the night," she enthused.

Also, Babalola, a local government worker in the state, commended the newspaper outfit and the security agency for swinging into action immediately when the case was reported at both ends.

Speaking to our reporter over the development, the state Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Henry Bilesanmi explained that the girl was turned back when the case was reported because there was no facility to accommodate her for the night.

"The offices here are mosquitoes infested and for a little girl it will be a huge health risk to accommodate her overnight, " he further explained.

He added that the headquarters had just been relocated and is still being put in shape to suit purposes. He therefore warned parents and guardians against Child Abuse, saying that it is a punishable crime under the law.