Robert Wale shares his daughter’s harrowing experience amid rising fears of child abductions.
“It is only by God’s grace that my daughter survived the abduction attempt yesterday,” says Robert Wale, a concerned parent from Honiara. His 15-year-old daughter, a Form Two student at Betikama High School, narrowly escaped what could have been a tragic incident.
Robert shared the terrifying ordeal his daughter went through, expressing gratitude that she was protected. He was among the first parents to take to social media, recounting the event that had left his family shaken. “It feels surreal that something like this is happening in Honiara,” he said, urging residents to be cautious and for parents to closely watch over their children.
While the exact motives behind the actions of the men involved remain unknown, Robert is thankful that his daughter made it home safely after school.
He was one of the first to share the incident on social media, highlighting the urgency of the situation and calling on the community to remain vigilant. He also expressed disappointment over the public’s reaction, stating, “As a parent who went through this ordeal, it is not pleasant when people laugh and make fun of these incidents. You never know what it’s like until it happens to your family.”
Honiara is on edge as reports of alleged child abductions continue to circulate on social media. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) held a press conference today to address the growing concerns. RSIPF Deputy Commissioner Ian Vaevaso and Assistant Commissioner Simpson Pogeava reassured the public that police are actively investigating the reports and have implemented measures to ensure public safety.
“There are strategies in place, and police visibility on the streets is ongoing 24/7,” Vaevaso said, confirming that their intelligence units are closely monitoring the situation. He emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities and discouraged the spread of unverified information, which could lead to unnecessary panic.
Police confirmed that only one formal case of an attempted abduction has been reported and is under investigation. While other reports, such as alleged incidents at Tamlan School and Bishop Epalle School, have been dismissed as false, RSIPF is continuing to investigate any suspicious vehicles and individuals. One suspect has been questioned, and a vehicle of interest has been detained.
Late this afternoon, a group of people gathered outside the Central Police Station, demanding the release of individuals taken into custody as part of the investigation. Police were able to disperse the crowd peacefully, urging the public to trust the legal process. “Let the police do their work and allow the law to take its course,” a police spokesperson said.
Assistant Commissioner Pogeava reiterated the need for public cooperation, encouraging residents to report suspicious activities and provide evidence that could assist in ongoing investigations. “We need the public’s support to ensure the safety of our communities,” he said, urging vigilance, particularly around schools and high-traffic areas.
The RSIPF has assured the public that they will continue to provide regular updates on the situation and maintain a visible presence across Honiara. Patrols will remain a priority to ensure the safety of all residents, and authorities urged the community to remain calm and responsible in their response.
As investigations continue, the police are calling on anyone with information to contact their nearest station or dial the emergency line at 999.
