A dog meat seller, identified as Erica, has absconded with a six-month-old baby boy in Diobu, Rivers State. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 29, 2024, leaving the family distraught.

Erica, in his mid-30s and originally from Akwa Ibom State, had been living in the compound for only two months. At the front of the premises, he operated a dog meat business.

The baby’s mother, Hope Sunday, explained that Erica had gained the family’s trust and often showed affection towards her son, Lucky. On the day of the incident, Erica offered to help carry Lucky while Hope did laundry.

“When I returned from putting my other children to sleep, I didn’t see him (Erica) again,” Hope recounted. She searched, following leads from neighbours, but to no avail.

Residents of the compound expressed shock and disbelief at the incident. The matter has been reported to the Azikiwe Police Division at Illabouchi, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt.