The police have rescued six abducted children and apprehended a female kidnap ringleader in Ebonyi.

The Ebonyi State Police Command verifies the rescues of abducted six children, and apprehends female kidnap kingpin.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident in a statement, mentioning the arrest of the ringleader of a notorious kidnap syndicate specialized in abducting children from their parents in the state.

According to the statement, on January 21, 2024, Nkwuda Francis reported to the Command that a woman, initially identified as Mercy Francis, posing as a youth corps member, had abducted two young children from his residence in Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State, after renting a room in the compound.

DSP Ukandu clarified that the children, aged three and seven, were ultimately discovered to have been taken by one Ngozi Blessing Abia, the true identity of the suspect.

“Following a diligent investigation by officers attached to the Gender Unit of the Command, the suspect was located in Oba, Anambra State, where the children were rescued and returned to their family,” he stated.

DSP Ukandu also revealed that Mrs. Lovina Iwuorah and Mrs. Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, two mothers whose children were likewise abducted in Ohaozara LGA of the State, identified the suspect as the accomplice in the disappearance of their three children, aged between one and three years old.

Following the investigation, officers traced the children to Benin City, where they were discovered in an orphanage. Police rescues abducted children. The proprietor of the orphanage has been apprehended and is cooperating with the police, providing valuable information.

“Additionally, one Chinasa Uwezoke from Lagos, upon learning of the arrest, visited the Command and identified the suspect as someone who had gained her trust and subsequently took her three children to the market, only to flee with her 3-year-old son.

“The boy was later recovered and reunited with his family after being sold by the suspect,” the Police spokesman added.

He observed that the suspect’s modus operandi involved renting an apartment, befriending her unsuspecting neighbors, gaining their trust, and then abducting their children for monetary gains.