By Olaide Ajibola, JKNMedia Reporter
IN a dramatic rescue operation, the Ebonyi State Police Command has dismantled a child abduction ring, liberating six children and apprehending a suspect posing as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
The unfolding drama began with a report filed by Nkwuda Francis on January 21, 2024, detailing the disappearance of two young children from his residence in Nwezenyi Igbeagbu, Izzi, LGA, Ebonyi State.
Initially identified as Mercy Francis, the perpetrator was later revealed to be Ngozi Blessing Abia.
Acting swiftly, officers from the command’s gender unit meticulously tracked the suspect’s movements to Oba, Anambra State, where the abducted children were discovered and reunited with their relieved family members.
The arrest of Abia unearthed a network of nefarious activities, implicating her in the abduction of three other children from ohaozara LGA in Ebonyi State.
The investigation led authorities to Benin City, where the missing children were found in an orphanage. The proprietor of the orphanage. The proprietor of the orphanage is currently in custody, aiding law enforcement with vital information. The extent of the suspect’s actions became the clearer as Lovina Iwuorah, Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, and Chinasa Uwezoke came forward with harrowing tales of their children’s abduction.
Chinasa Uwezoke recounted a chilling encounter where Abia, under the guise of friendship led her to the market, only to abscond with her three-year-old son. Fortunately, swift police intervention ensued the safe return of the child to his distraught family.
Abia’s modus operandi involved ingratiating herself with unsuspecting neighbours, exploiting their trust and profiting from the illicit trade of abducted children.
In light of these shocking events, the Ebonyi State Police Command issued a stern warning to property owners and caretakers to exercise due diligence in screening potential tenants.
Furthermore, parents were urged to educate their children on safety measures and the perils of interacting with strangers, noting that the successful operation stands to proof to law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities against such heinous crimes.
