By: Theophilus G. Chea
HARPER, Maryland County — Two girls who went missing from their families in Liberia several months ago have been reunited with their parents in Maryland County after being located in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire.
The children, whose identities are being withheld to protect their privacy as minors, arrived in Maryland County on Wednesday, November 11, accompanied by individuals who helped coordinate their return through the office of County Superintendent Hon. Nathaniel S. Toe Jr.
According to information surrounding the incident, the girls left Liberia in May 2026 after their parents reportedly agreed to allow them to stay with a woman in Côte d’Ivoire who was believed to be an aunt of one of the children.
However, the arrangement reportedly turned difficult, with the girls experiencing challenges, including inadequate access to food. Unable to continue living under those circumstances, they reportedly left the woman’s residence and attempted to find their way back to Liberia and their families.
While walking along a road in the Abidjan area, the girls encountered a woman who offered them assistance and subsequently took them to a police station. They were later placed under the care of another woman as efforts began to identify their families and establish contact with their parents in Liberia.
Through the intervention of individuals who facilitated communication and coordination between the two countries, arrangements were eventually completed for the girls’ return.
Following their reunion with their daughters, the parents expressed gratitude to Superintendent Toe and his office for helping receive the children and facilitate their safe return.
The parents, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the response of the previous county administration, claiming that their initial appeals for assistance when the children went missing did not receive the attention they expected.
The individuals who accompanied the girls from Côte d’Ivoire also praised the current county leadership for its cooperation throughout the process.
Speaking on behalf of the woman involved in the cross-border assistance, Mrs. Lucy Jappay Mombo thanked all those who contributed to ensuring the children returned safely to their families.
Mrs. Mombo also used the occasion to caution parents against allowing their children to live with other individuals without first establishing their backgrounds and examining the conditions in which the children would be accommodated.
She stressed that parents and guardians must exercise greater care when making such arrangements, warning against entrusting children to people without adequately understanding their circumstances and living environments.
Meanwhile, Maryland County Gender Coordinator Mrs. Maria Suku acknowledged the contributions of Superintendent Toe and other stakeholders, expressing appreciation for their involvement in the children’s safe return.
The official handover ceremony was attended by the County Superintendent, representatives of the cross-border community, a cultural leader, county officials, representatives from Plolo, and members of the media.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Superintendent Toe formally transferred the children to Gender Coordinator Suku for appropriate care and further follow-up.
The incident highlights the importance of cooperation between authorities and community members across national boundaries in responding to missing-child cases. It also draws attention to the responsibility of parents and guardians to carefully assess arrangements involving their children’s welfare.
For the two girls and their families, the reunion marks the end of several months of separation and uncertainty.
