By Isaac Ojo
Security operatives attached to Okpuno-Uzodike, Otolo-Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have arrested a woman and her daughter (names withheld) for allegedly kidnapping seven underage children in Onitsha.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Mr. Solomon Okwuolisa, Security Commander, Okpuno Otolo Village, and the President-General (PG) of Okpuno Otolo Village, Otolo-Nnewi.
A young boy (name withheld), who was found in the company of his ecstatic mother, reportedly told the security operatives that he was kidnapped alongside other children in April.
According to the boy, the suspects allegedly took them to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Enugu, Enugu State, in an attempt to sell them, but could not find a buyer for him.
He reportedly said that after successfully selling some of the other children, the suspects decided to move to the industrial town of Nnewi to continue their alleged activities.
The security operatives alleged that the woman and her daughter were involved in other criminal activities, including the theft of mobile phones at places of worship.
According to the operatives, the suspects allegedly confessed that two phones found in their possession had been stolen at St. Jude Catholic Church, Nnewi.
The operatives further alleged that the suspects “flashed” the stolen phones, removed the SIM cards and subsequently began using the devices.
The Security Chief advised natives and residents of the industrial town to remain vigilant and be cautious of strangers and individuals whose activities appear suspicious.
He expressed concern over reported cases of missing children in Nnewi in recent times and thanked God for what he described as the successful apprehension of the suspects by the vigilant security operatives.
The Security Chief said the suspects had been handed over to the Otolo-Nnewi Divisional Police Station for further investigation and prosecution.
However, when our correspondent visited the Otolo-Nnewi Divisional Police Station for clarification, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was not available.
A senior police officer at the station told journalists that the suspects had been transferred to the Onitsha Central Police Station, where the alleged crime was originally committed, for further investigation.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain further confirmation and clarifications from the police authorities were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP) did not answer calls or respond to WhatsApp messages sent to him at the time of filing this report.
Woman, daughter arrested over alleged kidnap of seven children in Onitsha
