•Missing Nigerian, Basil Ekoh
Twenty-six years after Basil O. Ekoh disappeared in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire, his family has renewed its appeal for information that could help establish his whereabouts.
Ekoh, a Nigerian citizen from Ihe in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was 35 years old when he went missing on March 25, 2000, reports Daily Independent.
Despite many years of searching, the family said it has not received reliable information concerning his whereabouts or what may have happened to him.
In a renewed “missing-person” appeal, the family called on anyone who may have known Ekoh, seen him, worked with him or may have had information concerning him to come forward.
The family said even the smallest piece of information could provide a crucial lead and help bring answers to a search that has continued for more than two decades.
According to the appeal, Ekoh was last known to be in San Pedro, a major port city in southwestern Côte d’Ivoire.
San Pedro has historically attracted people from different parts of Côte d’Ivoire and other countries because of its commercial and port activities.
The family is therefore appealing particularly to people in San Pedro and other parts of Côte d’Ivoire who may have known Ekoh, seen him or worked with him around the time of his disappearance.
The appeal was also directed at Nigerians and members of the Nigerian community living in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as people in Nigeria who may have had contact with him before his disappearance or may subsequently have received information about him.
The family identified the missing man as Basil O. Ekoh, a Nigerian from Ihe, Awgu LGA, Enugu State, who was 35 years old at the time he disappeared.
Twenty-six years after he was last known to be in San Pedro, the family said it remains without reliable information about his whereabouts.
It appealed to anyone who may possess information, however seemingly insignificant, to come forward, stressing that such information could help the family establish what happened to Ekoh.
The family also urged members of the public to share the appeal widely, particularly among people in San Pedro and other parts of Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and the Nigerian community in the country.
It asked anyone with information about Ekoh or his whereabouts to contact his family or the person who shared the appeal.
The family’s message also carried an emotional reminder that the passage of time has not ended the search.
“Basil, your family has not forgotten you. We are still searching and praying for your safe return,” it said.
As the years continue to pass, the family remains hopeful that someone who knew Ekoh, encountered him after his disappearance or possesses information about his movements may eventually come forward.
For relatives who have spent more than two decades without reliable answers, even a single credible lead could help shed light on the fate and whereabouts of a man whose family says it has never stopped searching for him.
