Homeowners are asked to search under structures and inside boiler rooms for Ben Palluq

Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Saturday, March 29, 2014

IQALUIT
Authorities are continuing to look for Ben Palluq, a well-known member of the Iqaluit community.

Ben Palluq was reported missing March 21. - NNSL file photo

A relative of Palluq reported him missing March 21. The last confirmed sighting of the 44-year-old was two to three weeks ago. However, community sources say they may have seen him more recently, said RCMP Cpl. Yvonne Niego March 27.

"He is always out there so it's very hard for people to pinpoint exactly when (they saw him)," she said.

Palluq is described as slender, about five-foot-seven, with black hair, dark eyes and a missing tooth.

He has epilepsy and would have run out of his prescription medication by now. He may also suffer from mental health issues.

Local volunteers organized the first searches for Palluq and RCMP and Nunavut Search and Rescue opened a temporary command post March 26 at the local wildlife office. On the first day, volunteers helped search around town, along the sea ice and near the beach area.

The search continued the following day with snowmobilers driving out to cabins and along trails.

Search co-ordinator Jimmy Akavak said March 27 that they hadn't found any clues or evidence of Palluq being anywhere in town.

Residents are asked to check boiler rooms and under housing or structures.

"Anyone with care or control over an empty unit, if home or building owners have the opportunity to check under and inside vacant units," said Niego. "There is also the possibility that the individual doesn't want to be found but if Ben is listening I would just hope he understands he doesn't need to fear. We just want to know he's OK."

Akavak said the RCMP will be meeting with the family to decide on the next course of action.

"They may do more announcements or door-to-door stuff over the weekend because a lot of people work during the day. There's a few units, houses that we have to double check to try to gather information."