The Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has confirmed the rescue of five male children found in different parts of the state.
The police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, told Channels Television on Sunday that command operatives were instrumental in removing the boys from the streets.
He explained that the children have been transferred to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further inquiries and efforts to reconnect them with their families.
“Operatives of the command rescued the five male children at various locations across the state. They have been handed over to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further investigations and to reunite them with their families,” Ukandu said.
At the Ebonyi State Juvenile Remand Home in Ugwuachara, Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, disclosed that the children had been seen roaming before police intervention.
“These vulnerable children were found missing by men of the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, on different dates at different parts of the state and handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs to enable us to trace their families and reunite them,” she stated.
Represented by the Head of the Child Development Department, Emmanuel Nkwuda, the commissioner stressed that children are precious and must be safeguarded. She advised parents to have only the number of children they can properly care for and to remain security conscious.
The government appealed to parents or guardians searching for missing children to visit the ministry for identification and possible reunion. It warned that if no parents come forward within a reasonable timeframe, the children may be placed for adoption or fostering to ensure they receive adequate care, dignity, education, and identity.
She noted that the facility does not function as a school or vocational centre, adding that prolonged stays without structured engagement could hinder the children’s development.
“Some of them have stayed here up to four years, some two years, some a year, and the youngest among them have stayed with us for just two months. We resolved that it’s important to let the public know that children of these ages are in our children’s centre.”
“Parents whose children are missing should come with evidence for the interview, identification, and possible reunion,” the commissioner said.
She also warned against allowing strangers unrestricted access to children, referencing a recent incident in the Nkwagu axis where some women were allegedly deceived and three children taken away.
The five rescued children are between three and 14 years old.