The joy of the family of Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ayinde in Ilorin, Kwara State knew no bounds when their missing 20- years- old daughter, Sofiya, was found.
LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that Sofiya had been missing since June 17, 2025.
According to her father, Sofiya had gone to Oja-Oba in Ilorin to buy some items on June 17, 2025 but did not return home since then.
He said the search for her continued until last Wednesday when the Ministry of Women Affairs in Kwara State commissioner was informed that Sofiya had been found in Kogi State.
The officials of the ministry led by the commissioner, Afolashade Opeyemi, on Tuesday, reunited Sofiya with her family at a brief event in the ministry.
Ayinde expressed gratitude to Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the ministry for facilitating the reunion.
He thanked the chairman of Asa local government area, Alhaji Sheu Amasa and the management of the local government for their support while the ordeal of the family lasted .
He disclosed that Sofiat’s identity was confirmed using her thumbprint on the National Identification Number (NIN) website.
Opeyemi appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq, for giving her the opportunity to serve in a humanitarian capacity, which made it possible for Sofiat to be swiftly reunited with her family.
She noted that the effort put in by her ministry and its staff to ensure Sofiat’s safe return was part of the humanitarian services being carried out by the ministry.
Opeyemi conveyed the warmest regards of the governor to Sofiat’s father and praised the staff for the prompt response in reuniting Sofiat with her family.
The commissioner stressed the need for giving Sofiya adequate medical care and attention to help her recover quickly from the trauma she had experienced.
The director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Ubandawaki, congratulated the Ayinde family on the return of their daughter, noting that what happened was every parent’s nightmare.
