Police say girl in Diyala left voluntarily with man, not abducted

DIYALA — Diyala Police said Tuesday that a girl reported missing from the Tahrir neighborhood of Baqubah was not abducted but left voluntarily with a man to Babil Governorate, following an investigation into her disappearance.

In a statement, the police said a special team was formed to verify reports that the girl had vanished under unclear circumstances. “After reviewing nearby surveillance footage, it was found that she was accompanied by a man and left with him,” the statement read.

The man was identified as a resident of Babil’s al-Qasim area, and an arrest warrant was issued under Article 422 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which covers offenses related to enticing or taking a minor from their guardian.

Authorities called for restraint in circulating unverified claims online. “Diyala Police Command calls on all social media platforms to be accurate in reporting news and to avoid circulating information unless confirmed by official sources,” the statement said.

The police also urged families to closely monitor their children’s activities to prevent exploitation, saying, “We call on families to follow up with their sons and daughters, especially younger age groups, to ensure their safety.”

The girl’s disappearance had prompted appeals for help on social media from her family, with several pages speculating she had been abducted.