In a statement from the spokesperson of the command, SP Omolola Odutola, Chindalu and Udeba were rescued from Oru Ijebu Division in the Ijebu North LGA of the state.
Their abductors were said to have abandoned them near a riverside in Oru Ijebu. The teenagers were said to have informed the police that once their abductors forced them into a Toyota Saloon car, they could not recollect anything again.
The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Mathew Ediae, was reported to have contacted the parents of the teenagers who had all along been searching for them.
The statement reads, “On the 3rd day of September 2023 at approximately 1530 hrs, Nigerian Police from the Oru Division in Ogun State successfully rescued two teenagers named Chindalu Umadi (17 years old) and Udeba David (16 years old) while on patrol.
“The boys had been kidnapped earlier that day at around 0820 hrs in Ojo Local Government, Lagos State. Two unknown individuals abducted them into a Toyota Saloon car, and the victims have no recollection of what happened during their captivity until they were discovered abandoned near a riverside in Oru Ijebu.
“Fortunately, the prompt response of the patrol men from Oru-Ijebu divisional headquarters led to their rescue, and they were subsequently taken to the police station. The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Mathew Ediae, interviewed the boys and obtained information about their ordeal. The teenagers shared their accounts, emphasising that they were on their way to play football when they were forcibly taken.
“The police are now making efforts to contact the parents of Chindalu Umadi and Udeba David. The parents, who had been searching for their children throughout the day, received a call from the DPO informing them that the teenagers had been safely located and were in the custody of the police. The DPO assured them that once their parents arrive at the station for identification, the teenagers will be reunited with their families.”
This incident, according to the police, has further highlighted the importance of prompt and vigilant patrolling by men of the Nigeria Police, as well as the collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, has however, expressed his satisfaction with the rescue of the children while also using the opportunity to address parents, emphasising the need for vigilance, especially during the ember months which are notorious for the increase in criminal activities.
He advised parents to be aware of their children’s whereabouts at all times and encouraged teenagers to move in groups to minimise the risk of falling victim to these criminal-minded people.
