The Ebonyi State Police Command has successfully rescued six children from kidnappers and apprehended the leader of the syndicate. According to a statement by the police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, the rescue operation followed a report made by Nkwuda Francis on January 21. Francis reported that a woman, who identified herself as Mercy Francis, and posed as a youth corps member, had kidnapped two children from his residence in Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The kidnapped children, aged three and seven, were taken by a woman named Ngozi Blessing Abia, who was later discovered to be the true identity of the suspect. Upon investigation by officers from the Gender Unit, the suspect was traced to Oba, Anambra State, where the children were rescued and reunited with their family.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was also involved in the abduction of three children belonging to Mrs. Lovina Iwuorah and Mrs. Ndifereke Wisdom Clement in Ohaozara council. The suspect was identified as a conspirator in the disappearance of the three children, aged between one and three years old. The investigation led officers to Benin City, where the children were found in an orphanage. The orphanage proprietor has been detained and is cooperating with the police.
The suspect's method of operation involved renting an apartment, gaining the trust of neighbors, and then abducting their children for monetary gain. The police have commended the swift action taken to rescue the children and apprehend the suspect, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of the community.
