Sick boy abandoned by father transformed by Good Samaritans in Lafia (Photos/Video)

The story of Joseph (adopted name) vividly captures the axiom that says “a bend in the road is not the end of the road.”

His story evokes tears and joy – the kind of feeling that could only be seen in Nollywood flicks.

In 2019, precisely May 2, this young boy had probably thought he would be seeing the rising of the sun for the last time. But the intervention of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Ekre gave him a new hope, life and opportunity.

His story could only be summed up with the caption, abandoned by father, picked up by stranger.

“He was looking pale and malnourished. He seemed to have not eaten for days now,” Christian Adeichenu Ekre, narrated in an interview with IDOMA VOICE.

According to him, “On that fateful day, a man came to the shop where my mum sells things carrying a little sickly child. He sat down, and requested to be served a drink. He was served.

“After a while, he asked for where to get food for the child, he was shown. He left the child with the pretence of getting him food and never returned back till date.

“My mum called and informed me about what was going on. I advised her to take the child to the Police Station to lay a complaint and have their statement taken. I also advised them to adopt the child because the state of his health was bad.

My mum did as I suggested.

“After everything, we needed to give him a name since we didn’t know his name and because he was not talking. So we decided to christen him Joseph.

“Also, we didn’t know his birthday. So, we agreed to use the day he came to us, which is May 2nd.

“Today, 2nd May 2020, we are celebrating his first birthday with us.”

Speaking on the development, Mrs. Johnson, a native of Owukpa, Benue State, said she was moved to tears on sighting the little child. According to her, “After the father abandoned him, I had no choice than to pick him up.

“I have children and I know what the pain of carrying a pregnancy for nine months.

“I called my son (Chris) and informed him what was happening and he advised me to take him to the police station for statement and should adopt him after that.

“At first it was difficult because I am a married woman. So, if informed my husband and he accepted as well. I did that because every child is a blessing from God. Like the bible says, children are God’s heritage. We did all the necessary medical checkups and discovered he was fine so we decided to adopt him. Since he came to this house, we have no reason to regret. He’s intelligent and friendly.

Asked if the family will release the child if the parents come looking for him, “Why not? But the person must prove ownership and at least explain why he did what he did before the relevant agencies of government. But for now, he’s my last child and will get all the treatments my children get from me. The motherly love that he was deprived will be available for him at all time.

“I am glad my children also see him as their brother. They take care of him like their own blood, especially the girls. Once the coronavirus lockdown is over, we will send him to school,” she said.

Here are some pictures of the young man.