Missing 5-year-old girl rescued in Tuobodom after alleged kidnapping by former neighbour

A five-year-old girl who vanished over two months ago from her school in New Edubiase has been safely found in Tuobodom, Bono Region.

She was allegedly abducted by a 34-year-old woman who had previously lived near the family and posed as a concerned neighbour.

The child, a kindergarten pupil at Future Assurance Academy, failed to return home from school, prompting a desperate search led by her father, Opanin Kofi Essah. He promptly reported the incident to the police and sought public assistance through local media.

Her whereabouts remained unknown until May 12, when a tip from observant residents in Tuobodom led police to a house occupied by Helena Oduro, also known as Yaa Ohenewaa. Helena, who once lived in New Edubiase and knew the girl’s family, was reportedly seen treating the child harshly and attempting to alter her appearance.

According to police, she had shaved the girl’s hair, removed her braids, and used skin-lightening products in an attempt to disguise the child.

Authorities say residents grew suspicious and alerted police, who then worked closely with Mr. Essah to confirm the child’s identity and apprehend Helena Oduro. During interrogation, she admitted to changing the girl’s appearance to avoid recognition.

Mr. Essah expressed shock and deep disappointment, noting that Helena had once shown concern over the girl’s disappearance. “Her apparent empathy made her betrayal all the more painful,” he told investigators.

Helena Oduro is currently in police custody while investigations continue. The young girl has been reunited with her family and is reportedly safe.