Trapped For 27 Years: Missing Polish girl found alive in parent’s house, days from death
Story by Tawheed Yakub, Abuja
In one of Poland’s most shocking discoveries, a woman who disappeared 27 years ago has been found alive after being locked away in her parents’ home since she was a teenager.
The woman, identified as 42 year-old Mirella, vanished in 1998 at the age of 15. She was discovered in July 2025 when police responded to a domestic disturbance at her family’s home. Officers were stunned to find her in a locked room, malnourished and suffering from severe leg wounds described as “reaching to the bone.” Doctors later confirmed she was just days from death.
Police said the room where Mirella was found appeared frozen in time filled with children’s toys, books, and posters from her teenage years. Neighbours told investigators they had long believed she had run away or gone to live with relatives, as her parents claimed.
Read also: Hunger Protest: Poland denies involvement of detained nationals
Mirella’s 81year old mother has denied the wrongdoing, but prosecutors have opened an investigation into allegations of long term abuse and unlawful confinement. The father’s involvement remains under review.
Authorities are also probing how the woman’s disappearance went unnoticed for nearly three decades, despite occasional police visits to the home over the years.
Mirella, who has no identity documents or official records, is now receiving medical care and community support. Locals have begun fundraising to help her rebuild her life.
Read also: Travel as Activism: Stories of Black women who defied apartheid’s borders
International commentator Adam Gilchrist called the case “a horror story behind closed doors,” adding, “Why would a mother do this to her child and how did no one notice for 27 years?”
The case has drawn global attention and renewed calls for stronger welfare checks and mental health interventions to prevent such tragedies.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
