I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E: Nigerian child ‘abducted’ by Norwegian Child Welfare

This is the story of a Nigerian immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old baby was taken away by the Social Welfare Services and given to a foster parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES KUMOLU reports…

LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.

Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.

The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.

For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.