TheCable

Ese Oruru, the girl who was allegedly abducted from Bayelsa state by one Yunusa Dahiru and taken to Kano where she was converted to Islam, has finally returned to Bayelsa.

Anisim Butswat, police public relations officer in the state, confirmed this to TheCable, saying a statement would be issued on Thursday.

“I have heard about the report but I have not seen her personally,” he told TheCable. “Information will be clearer tomorrow and we will issue a statement around 10am.”

The story of her abduction sparked outrage among Nigerians, who embarked on a massive campaign for her release, especially on social media.

Her story gained traction less than 24 hours after Punch did a detailed report on the plight of the teenager.

The police took her into custody on Monday, and moved her to Abuja on Tuesday. She later reunited with her mother, but the handover could not take place because  it was late.

However, the police did not present Ese on Wednesday when the proper handover took place.

Olabisi Kolawole, police spokeswoman, said the minor was in the custody of the gender and child protection unit of the force, which was giving her psychological and emotional support.

“Following the prompt intervention of the inspector-general of police (IGP), I am delighted to confirm that the police have today secured the release of Ese Oruru, the girl-child victim from Kano state Sharia commission,” she said.

“She is currently in safe custody of officers of the gender unit of the force. She is being granted psychological and emotional support by officers of the gender and child protection unit of the force, which handles cases of this nature that touch on violence against children.

“Upon certifying her medical status and emotional state, Ese Oruru will be reunited with her parents who are already around to work with police professionals in this regard.”

Kolawole added that the force had also taken Yunusa, her abductor, into custody.