Two children reported missing from Dalfsen, Overijssel, have been found safe in Belgium, according to police reports. The siblings, an 11-year-old girl named Leya’nyssa and her 6-year-old brother M’qaydian, were located in Oudenaarde, East Flanders, just south of Ghent, after a coordinated effort involving Belgian authorities.
The children had been living in a foster home in Dalfsen when they were last seen at the local railway station on the morning of March 31, 2025. Following their disappearance, Dutch police issued an Amber Alert, the highest-level missing persons alert, expressing concerns for their welfare.
Authorities quickly mobilized a large-scale investigation under the direction of the Public Prosecution Service. This included a raid on a house in Enschede, where the children’s father, a 54-year-old lawyer, was suspected of orchestrating the abduction. The investigation remains ongoing, with police confirming that both parents have been arrested.
Residents in the Holtwiklanden neighborhood of Enschede reported increasingly erratic behavior from the father in the days leading up to the abduction. Witnesses noted that he had been seen parking his car in front of his house for hours, loading it with various items, including a shovel and heavy trash bags. One neighbor described how he appeared nervous and suspicious, stating, "He kept looking around nervously. It was all very suspicious." Another resident recounted a night when the father sat in his car with the lights off for an extended period, laughing strangely when questioned about his well-being.
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the father had retreated into a reclusive lifestyle after the end of his relationship. Neighbors described him as withdrawn, rarely interacting with others and keeping his curtains drawn. However, some had noticed unusual activities, such as working outside his house at odd hours, laying tiles under bright construction lights. "It was bizarre," one neighbor remarked.
Authorities emphasized the crucial role of public assistance in the search for the children. The Amber Alert generated a significant response, leading to a flood of tips and observations that ultimately helped locate the siblings. Police expressed gratitude to the community, stating, "The Amber Alert led to a flood of tips and observations, and we sincerely thank everyone who helped us in this case."
Following their recovery, the children are now being prepared for transfer back to legal custody. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the circumstances surrounding their abduction and the actions of their parents.
The swift resolution of this case highlights the effectiveness of Amber Alerts in mobilizing community support and law enforcement resources in urgent situations. The incident has sparked conversations about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents, especially in cases of custody disputes.
As the community of Dalfsen breathes a sigh of relief, the focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation and the well-being of Leya’nyssa and M’qaydian. Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the children as they navigate this challenging situation.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children. With the cooperation of local residents and authorities, a potentially tragic outcome has been averted, allowing the siblings to return home safely.
