ONE DAY CLOSER TO FINDING SAMANTHA: A FATHER’S 25-YEAR SEARCH 5711

It has been 25 long years since 2-year-old Samantha Kibalo was abducted by her noncustodial mother, Ann Kibalo, in February 2001. Since that fateful day, her father, Michael Kibalo, has held onto the hope that one day, he will be reunited with his beloved daughter. Despite the years of uncertainty, Michael’s determination has never wavered. He continues to believe that every day brings him one step closer to bringing Samantha home.

Samantha, a bright-eyed, brown-haired little girl, loved to play dress-up, wear hats, and read books. She had a bubbly personality, and her father fondly recalls her as being “incredible.” “She had a great personality,” Michael told the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). “Everyone talks about the terrible twos, but with Samantha, they were the terrific twos.” Michael remembered how she loved to learn and how special she was. “She was just so special,” he said.

Before Samantha’s disappearance, Michael and Ann were in the midst of a difficult divorce and custody battle. Ann had moved out shortly after Samantha’s birth and had filed for divorce. She had also repeatedly taken Samantha to doctors for medical issues that were never confirmed. This raised concerns, and during the custody hearings, a court-ordered psychiatrist testified that there were safety concerns regarding Samantha’s well-being in her mother’s care. It was even recommended that future visits be supervised. According to police, a decision granting Michael full custody of Samantha was expected to be made at the next hearing.

Unfortunately, Samantha never made it to that hearing. On February 3, 2001, Michael arrived at the agreed-upon location to pick up his daughter after a visit with Ann, but she never showed up. Neither Ann nor Samantha has been seen since that day. Investigators believe that just days before the custody decision could be finalized, Ann fled with Samantha, likely aware that she would lose custody.

The search for Samantha began immediately. Authorities issued a felony warrant for Ann’s arrest, and investigations initially led them to believe Ann and Samantha might still be in New York, possibly using different last names. However, as time passed and no new leads emerged, the search expanded. The police began to suspect that Ann and Samantha may have traveled to Florida, where Ann had extended family. Investigators now believe that they may be living under different identities, using the alias last name “Yermak,” which is Ann’s maiden name.

Because Samantha was so young when she was taken, investigators believe that she may not know she is missing. Michael also holds onto a small hope that Samantha may recognize the family dog, Vodka, who was taken with Ann during the abduction. The family dog may be the only familiar link to her past that Samantha can remember.

Today, Samantha would be 27 years old. To assist with the search, NCMEC has released an age progression image, showing what Samantha may look like now. With the new image, investigators and Michael continue to hope that Samantha will one day realize she is missing and find a way to reach out to her family.

Despite the passage of time and the challenges of the search, Michael remains hopeful. “When I get up in the morning, I just try and think, this is a closer day,” Michael said. “I’m one day closer to finding Samantha. Maybe today will be the day, and even if it’s not, I’m one day closer to seeing her again.” He holds onto the belief that his daughter is out there, and he will continue searching until he brings her home.

Michael has never stopped looking for Samantha. The pain of not knowing where she is or how she’s doing has been difficult, but his love for her has kept him going. “There’s always hope. I know I’ll find her. I just hope it’s soon,” he said, his voice filled with both determination and longing.

For 25 years, Michael has waited for answers, but he hasn’t given up. He continues to share his daughter’s story, hoping that someone, somewhere, might know something that could lead to her return. Michael’s hope for a reunion with Samantha remains steadfast, and he knows that no matter how long it takes, he will never stop searching for her.

If you have any information about Samantha Kibalo, Ann Kibalo (Yermak), or their disappearance, please contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or Detective Kerri Kralik at the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office at 1-845-638-5400.

Urgent: Samantha Kibalo still missing after 25 years. Any information could bring her home.