Police officer | File photo
The Abia police command has arrested six people linked to the abduction and trafficking of three children who have now been rescued and reunited with their families.
In a statement on Friday, Maureen Chinaka, Abia police spokesperson, said the incident occurred on October 30 after a father dropped off his three children — two boys and a girl — at a school in the Owerrinta area.
“The suspects were identified as Onyinyechi Christopher (25, female), Ogechi Chidi (31, female), Chukwu Bernadette (67, female), Nnaji Patience (49, female), Abraham Ibiam (57, male), and Felix Ikechukwu (54, male),” the statement reads.
“Upon returning to pick them up, he was told they had already left for home. Arriving at the residence, however, he discovered they were missing, prompting a report to the Owerrinta Police Divisional Headquarters.”
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Chinaka said detectives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Christopher and Chidi, who “lured the children” while they were walking home from school.
“They enticed the children with biscuits and promises of soft drinks before taking them away,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson said the duo later handed the victims over to Bernadette, who transported them to Ebonyi and sold them to Patience, Ikechukwu, and Ibiam.
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The spokesperson said the suspects have been charged.
Danladi Isa, commissioner of police in Abia, advised parents and school authorities to adopt strict pickup and drop-off procedures to prevent similar incidents.
