The Ebonyi State Police Command has verified the successful liberation of six children from their captors.
Furthermore, the authorities have apprehended the ringleader of the infamous kidnapping ring, known for targeting young children and separating them from their families within the state.
This information was relayed through a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, and distributed to journalists in Abakiliki on Tuesday.
According to the statement:”On January 21, 2024, one Nkwuda Francis reported to the command that a woman, identified as Mercy Francis, parading herself as a youth corps member, had kidnapped two young children from his house in Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State after she rented a room in the compound.
He stated that the children, aged three and seven, respectively, were later found to have been taken by one Ngozi Blessing Abia, which was revealed to be the suspect’s true identity.
“Following a diligent investigation by officers attached to the Gender Unit of the Command, the suspect was located at Oba, Anambra State, where the children were rescued and returned to their family,” he stated.
Revealing further, Ukandu said that similarly, one Mrs. Lovina Iwuorah and Mrs.Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, whose children were abducted in Ohaozara LGA of the State, identified the suspect as the conspirator in the disappearance of their three children, aged between one and three-year-old.
“The investigation led officers to Benin City, where the children were found in an orphanage. The proprietor of the orphanage has been detained and is providing valuable information to the Police.
“The boy was later recovered and reunited with his family after being sold by the suspect,” the Police spokesman added.
He highlighted that the suspect’s method of operation involved renting an apartment, mingling with unsuspecting neighbors to build trust, and then seizing their children for financial motives.
“The command hereby advises property owners and caretakers to thoroughly screen potential tenants and urges parents to educate their children about safety and stranger interactions,” the PPRO stated.