Police rescue missing Abia children, arrest suspects

The Abia State Police Command has rescued three siblings, Gideon Osinachi, eight, Obioma Osinachi, six, and Israel Osinachi, four, who were kidnapped by an unknown commercial motorcyclist in May in Amoba Okoro village in the Ikwuanno Local Government Area of the state.

The children had reportedly gone missing on May 10 after the motorcyclist hired by the children’s grandmother to take them back home after their visit whisked them away.

Announcing the rescue in a statement on Saturday, the state Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said the children were found and rescued at Anambra and Delta states.

Chinaka added that a Reverend Sister and four other suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

The statement partly read, “Investigation and efforts to rescue the children lasted from 10/05/2024 to 13/06/2024. During this period, four female suspects and one male suspect were arrested in connection with the crime.

“The suspects were arrested variously at Amawbia and Nkpor in Anambra State, as well as Warri in Delta State. They include Reverend Sister Pauline Alozie (female), Chizoba DJ (female), Glory Umuna (female), Mrs Georgina Nonye Okoye (female), and Philip Ibe (male). They are in custody and will be charged in court very soon.”

While appreciating the collaborative effort among the various stakeholders, such as the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Mr Osinachi Nwaka, and Abia State Homeland Security, and others that led to the rescue, Chinaka advised the public to be security-conscious and ensure children’s safety.

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