The father of a missing three-year-old girl from Kalekana in Lami remains steadfast in the belief that his firstborn is alive out there.

Some 53 days on and Talei Raikadroka’s disappearance is still a mystery.

Waisea Raikadroka, 23, was out at sea for three months on a fishing boat, unaware of the events that had unfolded in Kalekana.

Upon his arrival at home last week, he was met by detectives from the Fiji Police Force.

He stood in shock as the news of his daughter’s disappearance was relayed.

“I had no idea what happened while I was working. I was shocked. It was like a pain I cannot describe, I could not move for a while,” said Mr Raikodraka with tearful eyes.

“I know in my heart that she is alive and I beg whoever has my firstborn, to return her to our family.

“She is my little girl. Our first-born child. I did not sleep for the first few nights when I reached home. I just thought of her. Where could she be, what is she doing, has she eaten.”

Mr Raikadroka and his wife Losalini Lalaia are heartbroken, ‘because part of our lives has been torn apart”.

Talei is believed to have gone missing on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from her paternal grandfather’s place, where she had spent Friday evening.

Police have done extensive searches and even had people taken in for questioning. Police had stated that they had turned to forensic evidence.

In their latest statement regarding the case, Police spokesperson Savaira Tabua said the investigation was ongoing.

And while police work hard to locate the missing girl, a father is praying that the tides of life change in their favour and they get their Talei back.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj