In a significant breakthrough, the Abia State Police Command has successfully rescued four children who were abducted on December 16, 2023, from Ubakala Street, Ossah Road in Umuahia, Abia State.
The children were reportedly stolen by a previously unknown tenant identified as Ifeoma Abonyi. The police, with the support of the Department of State Services (DSS), carried out a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of Ifeoma Abonyi in Asaba, Delta State.
A press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, conveyed the details of the successful operation.
The statement revealed that the rescue and arrests were made possible through robust technical intelligence.
The incident was reported by Mrs. Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe, the mother of two of the abducted children, who highlighted the involvement of an unidentified tenant. The police initiated an investigation into the matter and, with the assistance of the DSS, located and apprehended Ifeoma Abonyi in Asaba.
The statement read in part: “We are happy to inform the public that all the four missing children stolen on 16 December 2023 have now been rescued. Two of the children were rescued on 22 December 2023, while another two were rescued today, 24 December 2023.”
A total of eight suspects, comprising five females and three males, are currently in police custody, aiding the ongoing investigation. However, three other individuals suspected of being complicit in the crime are still at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
Furthermore, an investigation is being conducted to determine the true status of six additional children found in the custody of the arrested suspects.
The possibility of conducting DNA tests is being considered, as some suspects claim the children are their biological offspring.
The successful rescue operation sparked jubilation in the town, with residents expressing gratitude for the positive outcome and commending the Abia State Police Command for their diligence.
Meanwhile, there is hope that the first set of four children, who were stolen on November 27 by an unknown tricycle operator, will also be located soon.
