The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of six children from kidnappers, including the arrest of the ringleader of the notorious kidnap syndicate, specializing in child abduction from their parents in the state, as stated by DSP Joshua Ukandu, the command's spokesperson.
On January 21, 2024, Nkwuda Francis reported to the Command that a woman, initially identified as Mercy Francis, posing as a youth corps member, had kidnapped two young children from his house in Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State after renting a room in the compound. Subsequent investigation revealed the suspect's true identity as Ngozi Blessing Abia.
The diligent efforts of officers attached to the Gender Unit of the Command led to the location of the suspect in Oba, Anambra State, where the children, aged three and seven, were rescued and reunited with their family.
Furthermore, Mrs. Lovina Iwuorah and Mrs. Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, two mothers whose children were abducted in Ohaozara LGA of the State, identified the suspect as involved in the disappearance of their three children, aged between one and three years old. The investigation traced the children to an orphanage in Benin City, resulting in the detention of the orphanage proprietor for interrogation.
In a separate incident, Chinasa Uwezoke from Lagos identified the suspect, who had gained her trust and subsequently abducted her three children, one of whom, a three-year-old boy, was sold by the suspect. The boy was later recovered and reunited with his family.
The suspect's modus operandi involved renting an apartment, gaining the trust of unsuspecting neighbors, and then abducting their children for financial gain. The Command advises property owners and caretakers to thoroughly screen potential tenants and urges parents to educate their children about safety and stranger interactions.