Three abducted children have been rescued by police operatives in Abia State from their captors in Anambra and Delta States, as announced by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the spokesperson for the command on Saturday. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of five suspects, including a Reverend Sister.
According to the statement, on May 10, 2024, the Abia State Police Command received a report about the abduction of three male children: Gideon Osinachi (eight years old), Obioma Divine Osinachi (six years old), and Israel Osinachi (four years old), by an unidentified cyclist from Amoba Okoro village in Ikwuanno LGA of Abia State.
These children were taken by the cyclist, who was hired by their grandmother to transport them back to their residence after visiting her.
Later on, Obioma was rescued on May 21 in Ekwulobia, Anambra State, while Gideon was found in Nkpor, Anambra State, on May 23. Israel was located in Warri, Delta State, on June 13.
The statement confirmed, “We are delighted to report that all three children have been rescued and reunited with their family.”
During the investigative and rescue operations conducted between May 10 and June 13, four female suspects and one male suspect were apprehended in connection with the incident in places like Amawbia and Nkpor in Anambra State, as well as Warri in Delta State. Among those arrested were Reverend Sister Pauline Alozie, Chizoba DJ, Glory Umuna, Mrs. Georgina Nonye Okoye, and Philip Ibe. They are currently in custody and will face legal charges soon.
In the statement, the command expressed its gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in securing the release of the abducted children.
According to a previous report by PUNCH in April, the Ebonyi State Police Command dismantled a child abduction ring, rescuing six kidnapped children.