The Abia State Police Command has arrested three persons allegedly involved in the abduction of two toddlers from Rivers State, while successfully reuniting the children with their families.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.
According to the statement, the suspects are Vera Imiobong Udoyang, 30, from Etimekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State; Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, 40, from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State; and Ezinne Ukandu, 41, from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The police identified the rescued children as three-year-old Caleb Tamunoye Paul and Joy David, also aged three, both natives of Okrika in Rivers State.
The command said operatives attached to the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on credible intelligence in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested Udoyang on May 10 in possession of the children in Abia State.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the children with doughnuts and soft drinks before abducting them from Ozoaporo community in Okrika, where she reportedly resided.
The statement further disclosed that investigations linked the suspect to a wider child trafficking network involving the other two suspects currently in custody.
Police said findings showed that Udoyang was allegedly contacted by Ukanwoke, who was also linked to Ukandu.
Ukandu was reportedly approached by a welfare officer identified simply as Chioma, who is currently at large, to source a three-year-old male child or facilitate an illegal adoption arrangement.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing welfare officer,” the statement added.
The police confirmed that the rescued children had been safely reunited with their parents, while further investigation continues at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Umuahia.
The Commissioner of Police urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and prioritise the safety of their children.
He also advised residents to educate children against accepting gifts from strangers or following unfamiliar persons, urging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities involving minors to the nearest police station.
