A state of fear and anguish has gripped the Bachure community in Adamawa State following the mysterious disappearance of a seven-year-old boy, Simon Samson Ibrahim. The young boy vanished on Sunday, December 1, 2025, leaving his family in a desperate search for answers that has so far yielded nothing.
A Father's Heartbreaking Account
Speaking to our correspondent, the boy's father, Mr. Samson Ibrahim, recounted the chilling moments that led to his son's disappearance. Mr. Ibrahim, who works as a security guard in Bachure, explained that he returned home from work on Sunday to find his children playing. Their mother had gone to the market.
"My son Simon met me and said he was hungry," the distraught father stated. "I told him to wait for me so I could go out and buy something for him to eat before we went out together." He said he entered the room briefly to take money, but when he came out, Simon was nowhere to be found.
Initially thinking it was a normal case of children playing around the neighborhood, Mr. Ibrahim's concern grew when a search of the immediate area proved futile. Simon, who is also known by the nickname 'Fintiri', was last seen around 12 pm. By 5 pm, with no sign of the boy, the father alerted his wife, and the full-scale search began.
No Help from Authorities, Rising Community Panic
The family's distress has been compounded by what they describe as a lack of actionable response from security agencies. Mr. Ibrahim confirmed that he reported his missing son to the police, local vigilante groups, and other security outfits. However, five days after the incident, there has been no update or contact from any authority regarding Simon's whereabouts.
"The police assured me of a deep investigation into the issue, which I'm hoping they will reach out soon," he said. "It's been five days now, and there's no news of my son, no trace, no one has called, and everywhere is silent."
The situation has paralyzed the family. "My wife has been crying since that day up till today; my family is in a disheartening situation right now. We don't go to our workplaces or businesses anymore, because we are scared," Mr. Ibrahim lamented. He made a passionate plea to the public and government for assistance, noting the family's limited financial capacity to conduct a private investigation.
A Pattern of Disappearances and Violence
Simon's case is not isolated. Within a 48-hour period in Adamawa State, a worrying number of people, both elderly and young, have been reported missing. This trend has fueled widespread panic and frustration among residents who feel overwhelmed by the rising cases of kidnappings and disappearances.
In a related and violent incident, a former councillor in the Kirchinga community, Shamalsinmi Umaru of Madagali LGA, was shot dead by unknown gunmen on November 28, 2025. His two sons were abducted during the attack. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦7 million for their release. Relatives of the former councillor say the family is struggling to raise the funds and is selling assets, while also decrying the lack of intervention from government authorities.
The Bachure community and the wider Adamawa State now live in fear of the unknown, with families worrying about the safety of their children daily. The disappearance of young Simon Samson Ibrahim has become a stark symbol of a deepening security crisis, leaving a father's plea—"I can't find my son"—echoing as a desperate cry for help.
