WHITEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities in Columbus County are urgently seeking the public’s help to locate 16-year-old Mikala ZyQuira Melvin, who went missing on October 28, 2025. Law enforcement officials say time is critical in the effort to find her safe, and they are urging residents across North Carolina to share her photo and information widely.
What Happened
According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Mikala was last seen in Whiteville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Since her disappearance, there have been no confirmed sightings or communications from her, raising growing concern for her safety and wellbeing.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, but they have confirmed that all available resources are being deployed to locate her.
Description of the Missing Teen
Name: Mikala ZyQuira Melvin
Age: 16 years old
Missing Since: October 28, 2025
Location: Whiteville, North Carolina
Gender: Female
Other Details: Both released photos are confirmed to be of Mikala.
Police have not disclosed what she was last seen wearing, but community members are being asked to stay vigilant and report any possible sightings immediately.
Appeal from Authorities
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and coordinating with state and national agencies, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Officials are pleading with the public to share Mikala’s photo across social media platforms and community groups to increase the chances of locating her.
“Every minute counts in a case like this,” a spokesperson said. “We’re asking everyone — especially in the Whiteville and surrounding areas — to keep an eye out and report anything that could help bring Mikala home.”
How to Help
Anyone who sees Mikala or has information about her whereabouts is urged to:
Call 911 immediately, or
Contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 642-6551.
Even seemingly minor details — such as a possible vehicle sighting, conversation, or location match — could be vital to the ongoing investigation.
Community Response
Community members across Columbus County have begun sharing Mikala’s photo under hashtags like #FindMikalaMelvin and #BringMikalaHome. Local organizations and churches have also joined the effort, posting flyers and sharing the sheriff’s alert online.
Residents are encouraged to continue spreading awareness until Mikala is found safe.
If you have any information, please do not hesitate to come forward. Mikala’s family, friends, and community are holding out hope that she will soon be reunited with her loved ones.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
