Pascal Oparada
Following the death of Iniubong Umoren, Nigerians have called on the Police to revisit and review the 48-hour rule on reporting and searching for missing persons.
Umoren went missing on April 29 and was reported to the police the same day but as per the rule, they were told to wait until 48 hours before they could begin the search for her.
“I think we need to revisit the 48-hour rule before you can declare a person missing. A lot could happen in 48 hours! The first hours after a person has not been seen or heard from are critical especially if there are clear indications that something is amiss,” Aproko Doctor said on Twitter.
They said a lot can happen in 48 hours and that the first few hours are very critical to finding a missing person.
“She might have been rescued alive if the police had acted on the distress call with evidence and not wait for the 48-hour rule. (Only God knows how many of such delay have caused victims of circumstances as this their lives). The system and your country failed you,” Ayotomiwa Olutayo said on Twitter.
They blamed the police for always wanting ‘mobilisation fee’ before they could start searching for missing persons.
Social media was inundated with multiple reports of missing persons after it was reported that Umoren had been murdered by her abductors after she went in search of a job.
I think we need to revisit the 48 hour rule before you can declare a person missing. A lot could happen in 48 hours!
The first hours after a person has not been seen or heard from are critical especially if there are clear indications that something is amiss.
— Aproko Doctor (@aproko_doctor) May 2, 2021
https://twitter.com/Adiaha_Ik/status/1388782358611042310
The 48 hour rule didn't even make sense on this particular case, because the victim was clearly distressed and in danger. common sense should have prevailed over any rule.
— Nuel. (@Nueldigitals) May 2, 2021
