By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of six children from kidnappers and the arrest of the ringleader of the notorious kidnap syndicate, who specialised in the abduction of little children from their parents in the State.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists, said that on January 21, 2024, one Nkwuda Francis reported to the Command that a woman, initially identified as Mercy Francis, parading herself as a youth corps member, had kidnapped two young children from his house in Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State after she rented a room in the compound.

DSP Ukandu stated that the children, aged three and seven, respectively, were later found to have been taken by one Ngozi Blessing Abia, which was revealed to be the suspect’s true identity.

“Following a diligent investigation by officers attached to the Gender Unit of the Command, the suspect was located in Oba, Anambra State, where the children were rescued and returned to their family,” he stated.

DSP Ukandu said that similarly, one Mrs. Lovina Iwuorah and Mrs. Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, two mothers whose children were similarly abducted in Ohaozara LGA of the State, identified the suspect as the conspirator in the disappearance of their three children, aged between one and three-year-old.

“The investigation led officers to Benin City, where the children were found in an orphanage. The proprietor of the orphanage has been detained and is providing valuable information to the Police.

“The boy was later recovered and reunited with his family after being sold by the suspect,” the Police spokesman added.

He noted that the suspect’s modus operandi was to rent an apartment, fraternise with her unsuspecting neighbours, gain their trust and abduct their children for pecuniary gains.

“The Command hereby advises property owners and caretakers to thoroughly screen potential tenants and urges parents to educate their children about safety and stranger interactions,” the PPRO stated.