From missing person to a local celebrity

A Labasa resident who was recently reported missing says he never expected to attract widespread attention on social media.

Mohammed Muzamil Hussain, also known as Musa, of Koroviri, Benau, Labasa, had travelled to Naviqiri Village in Bua to attend a funeral when he lost contact with his family.

The 25-year-old said he was unaware that he had been reported missing.

“I went to Naviqiri, Bua, to attend a funeral. Because of poor connectivity and the terrain, I was unable to return home or contact my mother,” he said.

He said mobile network coverage was only available after walking about 30 minutes away from the village.

Musa said he only realised he had been reported missing when he later went to hospital in Bua and was informed that police were looking for him.

“I didn’t know I had become this famous. I then called my mother to tell her I was safe,” he said.

He said police later took him back to Labasa.

Musa said he enjoyed his stay in Bua and was welcomed by a local iTaukei family who opened their home to him.

“I have spent time in Bua before and stayed with an iTaukei family. That’s why I am fluent in iTaukei,” he said.

He said he had made many memories during his stay before returning home.

Yesterday, Musa received several gifts, including a wristwatch, a Drua shirt, a Bula T-shirt and clothing for his mother, from Jack’s of Fiji.

Musa said he was surprised by the attention and the number of memes circulating on social media.

“Some of the memes were funny, but some were not. I don’t want people to make memes about me,” he said.