From what I've read the father is Of Pakistani origin, the mother's ex husband is of Nigerian origin. I do think that sadly whatever has happened to this child (and I have a few theories), it has something to do with someone he knows. The papers are implying a couple of things in my opinion. I expect they are keeping quiet as they have been briefed to, however it makes me sad that first thing today people were saying that the father had quite clearly taken him to Pakistan without there being any detail beyond the fact that a child had gone missing. Even if 9 out of 10 times a child is taken by someone who knows them, all options should be considered until facts are established. JMO.
I think there will be reasons why there isn't a family member out there being vocal. I do suspect the police have a good idea what has happened or what this is linked to and that they have perhaps suggested that no one speaks at this stage.