Ruth NWORIE
Abia State Police command has rescued two abducted children from Rivers State and arrested three suspects allegedly linked to a child trafficking syndicate operating across the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of police, Danladi Isa.
According to the statement, operatives of the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with local vigilantes, apprehended one of the suspects, Vera Udoyang on may 10,2026 while she was in possession of the children in Abia State.
The rescued children were identified as three year old , Caleb Tamunoyo paul, and joy David, both from okrika Local Government Rivers State
The police identified other suspects as Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, 40,from Amaraku in Isiala mbano local Government Area of IMO state, Ezinne Ukandu, 41, from obingwa Local Government Area of Abia state.
Investigation revealed that the prime suspect lured the children with snacks and drinks before taking them away from Ozoaporo community in Okrika, Rivers State where she resides.
Police also disclosed that preliminary investigation also linked the alleged illegal child adoption arrangement involving a welfare officer identified as Chioma who is on the run.
“The suspect confessed to stealing the children after luring them with doughnuts and soft drinks “
The command said all the arrested suspects are in their custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members, including the fleeing welfare officer.
The rescued children have since be reunited with their parents while the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia has commenced further investigation into the matter.
The police commissioner urged parents and guardiana to remain vigilant and educate children against collecting things from strangers.
He also called on residents to promptly report suspicious movements involving children to security agencies.
This was coined from punch news.
