By Eddy Waure
Yambio Municipality has been shaken by the abduction of a three-week-old baby girl, Shapai Aku, stolen by an unknown person in the Asanza residential area in the early morning hours of Thursday, sparking urgent calls from community members for heightened vigilance and protection of children across Western Equatoria State.
The incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. during a funeral gathering in the family home, when the infant was taken from her mother’s side while she slept near the body of the child’s grandmother. Police have launched an investigation, though the whereabouts of the baby remain unknown.
The mother of the stolen child, Hipai Santo, recounted the disturbing moments surrounding the abduction. She recalled seeing a man sitting nearby, his head covered with a jacket cap, drinking tea. Within moments of noticing this suspicious figure, she realized her baby had disappeared from beside her.
“Tea was moving around, and the person next to me took some. From nowhere, I don’t know what happened. Then I realized my baby was not with me anymore,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Yoditha Santo, the elder sister, confirmed that the mother and baby had been inside the house during the funeral and were not outside where the child might have been more vulnerable. “My sister was not outside; she was with her baby sleeping during the funeral. This incident happened without anyone noticing,” Yoditha explained, expressing shock that such a theft could occur undetected in a crowded household.
The grieving mother made an emotional appeal to community members, urging them to resolve disputes peacefully and to refrain from targeting innocent children. Her words reflected concern that the abduction might be related to interpersonal conflict rather than random crime.
“If you have issues with a fellow woman, solve it amicably without taking advantage of an angel who doesn’t even know life yet,” Hipai pleaded, appealing to the conscience of whoever may have taken her baby.
Police have confirmed that one woman was initially arrested in connection with the incident but was subsequently released after investigation determined she was not involved. The case remains active as authorities continue searching for the stolen infant and the perpetrator.
Hipai herself dismissed widespread speculation within the community that her husband’s co-wife might be responsible for the abduction, expressing faith that such suspicions are unfounded. “People will continue saying maybe it’s the co-wife, but I believe she is not the one. God is great,” she said, calling for an end to blame and speculation
Community members have expressed profound concern over the incident, recognizing it as symptomatic of broader security challenges in Yambio Municipality. Many have called on all mothers across Western Equatoria State and beyond to exercise heightened vigilance and implement protective measures to safeguard their children from harm.
The abduction has prompted questions about security during community gatherings, the vulnerability of young infants, and the need for coordinated community response to criminal activity. Funerals, which typically bring extended family together over multiple days and nights, create situations where normal household routines are disrupted and strangers may be present.
The incident highlights challenges of crime and child safety in Yambio Municipality, where limited police resources and the ongoing effects of previous conflict create security vulnerabilities. The theft of an infant from her mother’s side during a family gathering suggests either opportunistic crime or a deliberate abduction motivated by personal dispute or trafficking concerns.
Community leaders are being urged to coordinate with police in investigating the incident and to implement community-based security measures that can protect vulnerable members, particularly infants and young children.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of three-week-old Shapai Aku or the identity of the person responsible for her abduction is urged to contact Yambio Municipality Police immediately. The safe return of the infant remains the priority for her devastated family and concerned community members.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for vigilance, community solidarity, and effective law enforcement to protect vulnerable children and ensure their safety in homes, at community gatherings, and throughout Western Equatoria State.
