The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that four children have been stolen in Umuahia by a new female tenant who just moved into a compound at Ubakala Street, by Ossah Road.
The Command also disclosed that some associates of the unnamed tenant have been arrested.
A statement signed by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Abia Command, said the incident was reported to Central Police Station (CPS) on December 17, 2023 by Mrs Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe, a day after the abduction took place.
The statement read, “On the 17th of December 2023, at about 0900Hrs, Mrs Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe, a resident of Ubakala Street by Ossai Road, Umuahia, reported to the Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia that she entrusted four children to the care of a new female tenant, including two of hers and her neighbours’ namely:
“1. JOY UDOMA (Female, three years old), 2. ` OGBONNA UDOMA (Male, six years old), 3. ` CHIOMA KINGSLEY (Female, five years old), 4. ` MIRACLE IKECHUKWU (Female, five years old).
“Unfortunately, on the same day, the new tenant made away with the four children.
“Police interaction with Mrs Ibe revealed that the tenant had moved in just three days before the incident and Mrs Ibe could not provide details such as the tenant’s name or GSM number.
“Anyone with useful information regarding the missing children should report to the nearest police station or contact the PPRO via 07059951536.
“The complainant, Mrs Ibe, brought this report to the attention of the police one day after the incident occurred.
“At present, the police have arrested some suspects associated with the unknown tenant and investigation is in progress to determine the whereabouts of the children.”
The statement enjoined members of the public to immediately contact the Police control room as soon as they discover such occurrences, before physically reporting the incident at the Police station.
The PPRO, who gave out Abia State Police control room numbers as:08035415406, 08079210004, 08079210005 and 0807921000, said prompt report of incidents would aid prompt efforts.
In the same vein, the Abia State Police Command warned parents against entrusting their underage children to unfamiliar individuals even as it urged the public to maintain a vigilant approach when minors are seen with adult companions.
“Interview both the child and the accompanying person; if unsatisfied with explanations, involve the Police for necessary action,” the statement advised