Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
The Lagos State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to assist in identifying and locating the family of an 83-year-old man, Mr. Oriowo Gabriel, who was found in Lagos and is currently under protective police custody after efforts to trace his relatives proved unsuccessful.
The appeal, issued on Sunday through the command’s official communication channels, underscores the growing importance of community participation in supporting law enforcement efforts to reunite vulnerable individuals with their loved ones. According to the police, the elderly man was rescued by a good Samaritan, who brought him to the Ipaja Police Division, where he has since remained in protective care.
Authorities confirmed that Mr. Gabriel is safe and receiving appropriate attention while officers continue to search for his family. Police described the intervention by the concerned citizen as an act of compassion that helped ensure the elderly man’s safety before he was handed over to the authorities.
In a statement, the Lagos State Police Command explained that investigators had already made several attempts to locate Mr. Gabriel’s relatives using addresses he reportedly provided. However, those efforts were unsuccessful because the locations visited did not lead to anyone who could identify or claim responsibility for him.
“Despite efforts by the Police to trace his family using the addresses he provided, all attempts have been unsuccessful,” the command stated, adding that officers remain committed to reuniting him with his loved ones.
The police have therefore called on anyone who knows Mr. Oriowo Gabriel or has information that could assist in locating his family to immediately contact the Divisional Police Officer at the Ipaja Police Division through 08037993827.
The appeal reflects the humanitarian role often played by law enforcement agencies in protecting vulnerable members of society, particularly elderly citizens who may become separated from their families due to illness, memory-related conditions, displacement, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Across Nigeria, police commands periodically issue similar public notices to help identify missing persons or reconnect elderly individuals, children, and other vulnerable persons with their relatives. Such appeals rely heavily on public cooperation, community awareness, and the widespread sharing of verified information through traditional and digital media.
Experts in elderly welfare have repeatedly stressed that family members and caregivers should maintain up-to-date records, including recent photographs, emergency contact information, and medical details for older relatives. These measures can significantly improve the chances of a swift reunion should an elderly person become lost or disoriented.
Community members are also encouraged to promptly report elderly individuals who appear confused or stranded instead of leaving them unattended. The actions of the good Samaritan who assisted Mr. Gabriel demonstrate how responsible citizenship can contribute to protecting lives and supporting law enforcement efforts.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that Mr. Gabriel remains safe while investigations continue. Officials expressed optimism that increased public awareness generated by the appeal will help identify his relatives and facilitate his reunion with his family.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the challenges associated with caring for an ageing population in rapidly expanding urban centres. As cities continue to grow, collaboration among citizens, community leaders, healthcare providers, and security agencies remains essential in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Authorities have urged Nigerians to share only verified information regarding the case and to contact the police directly if they possess credible knowledge about Mr. Gabriel’s identity or the whereabouts of his family. They emphasized that timely information from the public could play a crucial role in bringing the search to a successful conclusion.
For now, Mr. Oriowo Gabriel remains under the care of the Ipaja Police Division as officers continue efforts to locate his relatives and reunite him with his loved ones.
Sources
- PUNCH Newspapers
- Lagos State Police Command (Official Statement)
- Head Topics (syndicated report referencing PUNCH)
