At a Glance
- Muhammad Sakho, 10, vanished Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, near Penrose Elementary in Philadelphia
- Last spotted at 8:10 a.m. wearing black hoodie, light-green jacket, blue jeans, and a blue jacket
- Police say he may be at “special risk for harm or injury” and are asking the public to call 911 with tips
- Why it matters: Every minute counts when a child is missing; tips from the community often prove critical
Pennsylvania State Police have launched an urgent search for Muhammad Sakho, a 10-year-old Philadelphia boy who disappeared Tuesday morning after being dropped off near his elementary school.
What We Know
Sakho was last seen around 8:10 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2026, in the vicinity of Penrose Elementary School at 2515 S. 78th Street, according to a bulletin issued by troopers and shared by News Of Philadelphia.
He is described as:
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches
- Weight: approximately 100 pounds
- Hair: black
- Eyes: brown
At the time he went missing, the child was wearing:
- A black hoodie
- A light-green jacket
- Blue jeans
- An additional blue jacket
Authorities have classified Sakho as “possibly at special risk for harm or injury,” though they did not elaborate on what factors led to that assessment.
How to Help
Anyone who believes they have seen Muhammad Sakho-or who has any information that could help locate him-is asked to take immediate action:
- Call 911
- Or contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-3183
Detectives stress that even seemingly minor details-such as a brief sighting, a social-media post, or a conversation overheard on the street-can redirect the investigation.
Search Efforts Underway
Since the report was filed, officers have:
- Canvassed the blocks surrounding Penrose Elementary
- Reviewed school-security and city-surveillance footage
- Distributed fliers bearing Sakho’s photograph throughout Southwest Philadelphia
- Coordinated with the School District of Philadelphia to notify parents and staff
Troopers have not released information about whether the child left the school grounds on his own or was taken. They also have not identified any persons of interest.
Community Response
Parents arriving for afternoon pickup on Tuesday found the school surrounded by patrol cars and uniformed officers. Several told Daniel J. Whitman they received a robocall urging them to speak with their children about the disappearance.
Neighbors have begun posting Sakho’s picture on social-media groups dedicated to local safety, and volunteers planned to hand out fliers Wednesday morning at nearby transit stops.
Pennsylvania State Police reiterated that tips can remain anonymous and that no piece of information is too small.
Key Takeaways
- Muhammad Sakho, 10, disappeared after arriving at Penrose Elementary on Jan. 20, 2026
- He stands 5’2″, weighs about 100 lbs, and was wearing layered jackets over a black hoodie
- Police believe he may be in danger and are asking the public to report sightings immediately
- Call 911 or 215-686-3183 with any information
