Residents of Sapele, Delta State, have been thrown into mourning and are demanding justice following the tragic death of a three-year-old boy, identified as Master Lemuel.
The incident occurred around Uko Road in Sapele after the child reportedly went missing on Monday, August 10, 2026.
According to family sources, Lemuel was playing with other children in the neighbourhood before his father sent him to buy an item.
The boy, who was reportedly unwell at the time, left but did not return home.
His disappearance prompted his parents, neighbours and other residents to launch a search. After several hours without success, his father reportedly reported the matter at Gana Police Station.
The search ended tragically the following morning when the child’s lifeless body was discovered close to the family residence.
The boy’s father reportedly told sympathisers that Lemuel had sustained multiple injuries which appeared to have been caused by a sharp object.
The development has sparked concern across the community, particularly following reports that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.
There were also unconfirmed claims that items believed to belong to other children, as well as bloodstained materials and other suspicious objects, were recovered from a vacant room within the compound where the suspect reportedly lived. The claims have not been independently verified.
The Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Bright Abeke, represented by the council secretary, Hon. Raymond Overah, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences.
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Overah expressed sympathy to the family and said the council would work with security agencies to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Lemuel’s death were thoroughly investigated.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the authorities.
Meanwhile, residents have called for a transparent investigation and swift prosecution of anyone found responsible for the child’s death.
As the investigation continues, the community remains gripped by grief while awaiting answers over the circumstances that led to the tragic death of little Lemuel.
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