The Ebonyi State Police Command successfully rescued six kidnapped children and apprehended the leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate that targeted young children in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, released a statement to journalists in Abakiliki on Tuesday. The statement states that on January 21, 2024, Nkwuda Francis reported to the command that Mercy Francis, posing as a youth corps member, kidnapped two young children from his house in Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State.
Ukandu went on to say that one Mrs. Lovina Iwuorah and Mrs.Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, whose children were abducted in Ohaozara LGA of the State, named the suspect as the conspirator in the loss of their three children, ages one to three years old.
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The investigation took detectives to Benin City, where they discovered the youngsters in an orphanage. The owner of the orphanage has been detained and is providing crucial information to the police. The youngster was eventually found and reunited with his family after being sold by the suspect.
He saw that the suspect’s strategy was to rent a flat, fraternise with her unsuspecting neighbours, earn their trust, and kidnap their children for financial benefit. The Command recommended property owners and caretakers to thoroughly check possible tenants and encourages parents to teach their children about safety and stranger contacts.
