Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have rescued three abducted children from their abductors in Anambra and Delta States.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, adding that the rescue mission led to the arrest of five suspects, including a Reverend Sister.
The statement read, “On May 10, 2024, the Abia State Police Command received a report that three male children, namely: Gideon Osinachi (eight years old), Obioma Divine Osinachi (six years old), and Israel Osinachi (four years old), were abducted by an unknown cyclist from Amoba Okoro village in Ikwuanno LGA of Abia State.
“The children were taken away by the cyclist who was hired by their grandmother to take them to their home after the children had visited her.”
It added that Obioma was later rescued on May 21 at Ekwulobia in Anambra State, and Gideon was rescued at Nkpor in Anambra State on May 23.
Israel was reported to have been rescued in Warri, Delta State, on June 13.
“We are happy to announce that all three children have been rescued and reunited with their family,” it added.
The statement added that during the period of investigation and rescue efforts which lasted from May 10 to June 13, four female suspects and one male suspect were arrested in connection with the crime.
It read, “The suspects were arrested variously at Amawbia and Nkpor in Anambra State, as well as Warri in Delta State. They include Reverend Sister Pauline Alozie (female), Chizoba DJ (female), Glory Umuna (female), Mrs. Georgina Nonye Okoye (female), and Philip Ibe (male). They are in custody and will be charged in court very soon.”
In the statement, the command appreciated the collaboration of various stakeholders towards the rescue of the children.
PUNCH reported in April that the Ebonyi State Police Command dismantled a child abduction ring, culminating in the rescue of six kidnapped children.