By Anamati Inyang | 9th November 2025
The Abia State Police Command has apprehended six individuals in connection with the abduction and trafficking of three children who have since been rescued and reunited with their families.
In a statement released on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that the incident took place on October 30, after a father dropped off his three children- two boys and a girl; at a school in the Owerrinta area of the state.
According to Chinaka, the suspects were identified as Onyinyechi Christopher (25), Ogechi Chidi (31), Chukwu Bernadette (67), Nnaji Patience (49), Abraham Ibiam (57), and Felix Ikechukwu (54).
She explained that when the children’s father returned to pick them up later that day, he was told they had already gone home. On getting home and realizing they were missing, he immediately reported the case to the Owerrinta Police Division.
Following credible intelligence, detectives swung into action and arrested Christopher and Chidi, who allegedly 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,” Chinaka said.
Further investigations revealed that the duo handed the children over to Bernadette, who then transported them to Ebonyi State and sold them to Patience, Ikechukwu, and Ibiam.
All six suspects have since been charged to court, while police investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, commended the swift efforts of the detectives and advised parents and school authorities to strengthen their child pickup and drop-off systems to prevent similar incidents.
