Operatives of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe Corps, have rescued three siblings who went missing from their home in Ifote Village, Ifo Local Government Area, after finding them sleeping with their belongings near the Arepo railway bridge.

The children, aged 13, eight and six, were located at about 1:30 am on Tuesday following an overnight search launched after their father reported them missing.

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Their father, Shittu Dauda, 45, a bricklayer, reportedly informed the corps at about 9:45 pm on Monday that the children had been missing since around 3 pm.

Dauda told operatives that he had instructed the children to go to school for registration before leaving for work. When he returned, he discovered they had left home with their belongings.

Residents later told the family that the children had said they were travelling to Arepo, where their mother lives.

The Divisional Officer of the Onireke Division, SC Jinadu Okikiola, mobilised a search team that combed Ifote, Oloparun, Shonekan, Shofowote, Seriki and Kajola before extending the operation to Arepo.

The siblings were found at the railway bridge and taken back to their community at about 2:30 am.

Their parents were subsequently invited to the division for questioning and counselling. During the interaction, officers were reportedly informed that the couple had been experiencing marital disagreements, which may have affected the attention given to the children.

The eldest sibling reportedly told officers that she had independently decided to leave home with her younger brother and sister.

The Divisional Officer counselled the parents on resolving their differences and prioritising the children’s safety. He warned that any recurrence that exposed the children to danger could attract legal action.

He also urged residents to promptly alert security agencies when they encounter children travelling or wandering without adult supervision, rather than simply questioning them.

So-Safe Corps State Commander, Commander Soji Ganzallo, commended the officers for their prompt response and successful rescue.

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The incident highlights the importance of safeguarding children during periods of family conflict and ensuring they have reliable adult support. The children’s welfare following their return was not further detailed in the report.