Tanzania’s Two Children Mysteriously Disappear, Family and Authorities Seek Public Help

By Adonis Byemelwa

Arusha, Tanzania – A family is in distress after two children went missing under mysterious circumstances on July 24, 2024. The children, who are students at Olosiva Primary School in Arumeru District, reportedly boarded a public minibus (daladala) to school but never arrived and have not been seen since.

Arusha Regional Police Commander, SACP Justine Masejo, confirmed receiving the report on the morning of July 25, 2024 and stated that investigations are underway. "We received the report this morning and are actively working on it. We will provide updates as soon as we have more information," said SACP Masejo.

Elizabeth Modesta (31), the mother of the missing children, identified them as Mordekai Maiko (7), a third grader, and Masiai Maiko (9), a fifth grader. She recounted the harrowing events, stating that she prepared her children for school as usual and saw them off at the bus stop.

"Typically, they arrive home between 3:30 and 3:45 PM, but yesterday they hadn't returned by 4 PM. I went to the school at 5 PM to inquire, only to be told they had not been seen since morning. I was overwhelmed with worry and immediately reported the matter to the Ngaramtoni police station," Elizabeth said.

Upon reporting the incident, police advised her to return home and wait for 24 hours before officially filing a missing person report. "I returned home distraught and spent the night worrying. This morning, I went back to the school, but they still hadn't seen my children. I then went to the police, who issued me a report number (NGT/RB/1265/2024) and requested photos of my children to disseminate online, along with my contact information," she added.

Elizabeth has appealed to the public and government authorities for help in locating her children. "I've been reaching out to friends and family, asking them to share my children's photos. I've searched everywhere without success. I plead with anyone who sees them to take them to the nearest police station. My heart is heavy with worry, and I pray they are safe until they are found," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Olosiva Primary School headteacher, Mwenzine Msuya, confirmed the children have not been seen since yesterday and that the school is actively participating in the search. "These children have no history of missing school. We were surprised when their mother inquired yesterday, and she returned today with the same concern. We are distributing their photos and urging anyone with information to contact their mother or any police station," said the headteacher.

The alarming disappearance of the Maiko children adds to a troubling pattern of child abductions in the region. Recently, several individuals were detained in the Pwani Region for spreading false information about child abductions. Authorities have cautioned against sharing unverified information, which can hinder investigations and spread unnecessary panic. In response to the rising concerns, local governments and community leaders are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The situation underscores the importance of community awareness and cooperation in ensuring the safety of all children.