The Ebonyi State Police have confirmed the abduction of three siblings by a newly arrived tenant in Nwezenyi community, Igbeagu, Izzi Local Government Area.

The victims—Favour, Obinna, and Kamso Okeoha—were reportedly taken on Saturday, 28th February, while their parents were away. The suspect, a woman who had recently rented an apartment in the area, is alleged to have carried out the abduction.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed the incident on Tuesday in Abakaliki, stating that an investigation has been launched to locate and rescue the children.

The incident has left residents of the community deeply unsettled. Speaking anonymously, several locals expressed shock, noting that the suspect had only moved into the compound shortly before the incident.

One resident revealed that the woman rented the apartment on Thursday and moved in the following day.

“She stayed just one day before the children were abducted on Saturday. We do not even know her identity,” the resident said.

Another neighbour said the suspect appeared friendly and went as far as painting her room and inscribing “One Love” on the wall, allegedly to create a positive impression among other tenants.

When our correspondent visited the compound on Tuesday, the apartment allegedly occupied by the suspect was the only one painted and bearing the inscription “One Love.”

The parents of the abducted children were not available for comments as sympathizers gathered in the compound awaiting their return.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over child abductions in the state.

In February 2026, three children were abducted from same compound at Nkwegu, opposite the Nkwegu Military Cantonment gate in Abakaliki Local Government Area.

The victims were a two-year-old boy and two girls aged four and two. (The Nation)