Two young girls, identified as Ainhoa, aged eight, and another child named Lia, have been missing since this past Sunday in the town of Florida, Camagüey. This information was shared with the outlet La Hora de Cuba by Yolanda Galbán, Ainhoa's grandmother, who mentioned that the two girls were last seen together at the Florida bus terminal, where they boarded a bus heading towards Oriente.
"My granddaughter never does this," said Galbán, emphasizing that Lia is her son-in-law's niece. The case initially gained attention on social media through a Facebook group called "Información de última hora, Camagüey," posted by user Sonia Salmón. She noted that a formal report has been filed with the local police, who are currently investigating the situation.
"This little girl is from Florida, Camagüey. Her name is Ainhoa, and she's 8 years old. She is missing, and her family is desperate because they have no news of her. All they know is that she left with an older, darker-skinned girl," Salmón reported.
Some individuals have told the family they saw Ainhoa heading towards Camagüey, offering a different narrative from what was reported by La Hora de Cuba. "We understand the importance of everyone coming together in this search, even if it's just by sharing information," she emphasized.
In another Facebook group, "Revolico Florida Céspedes," a user named Arlelly Galbán Hidalgo, a close family member of one of the girls, provided additional details about their disappearance. "My cousin Ainhoa left early in the morning with a young relative of color, and they each have a backpack," she wrote in a public post.
The family member warned that both girls left without permission and urged anyone who might see them to keep them from leaving the area and to immediately contact Ainhoa's grandmother, Yolanda Galbán, at 58085814. The family is earnestly requesting the community's assistance. Anyone with information on the girls' whereabouts can reach out to the family directly.
This incident adds to the growing concern over recent cases of missing children in Cuba. Recently, a 13-year-old girl reported missing since May 14th in Jovellanos, Matanzas, was found alive and well in Mayabeque. The girl was located in the municipality of Madruga, as reported by the Facebook page associated with Matanzas' Ministry of the Interior, "Con Todos La Victoria."
Additionally, on May 17th, journalist Iris Mariño from the independent outlet La Hora de Cuba reported the safe location of Emelis, a 12-year-old girl who had been missing for over 24 hours in Camagüey.
Key Concerns Regarding Missing Children in Cuba
What should people do if they see the missing girls?
If someone sees the missing girls, they should keep them from leaving and immediately contact Yolanda Galbán at 58085814.
How did the family initially alert the public about the disappearance?
The family first raised the alarm on social media through the Facebook group "Información de última hora, Camagüey."
Are there other recent cases of missing children in Cuba?
Yes, there have been other cases, such as a 13-year-old found in Mayabeque and a 12-year-old located in Camagüey after being missing for over 24 hours.