The Abia State Police Command has apprehended three suspects in connection with the abduction of two children from Rivers State. The suspects are Vera Imiobong Udoyang, 30, from Etimekpo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State; Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, 40, a native of Amaraku Isiala Mbano in Imo State; and Ezinne Ukandu, 41, a native of Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State. They are accused of stealing Caleb Tamunoye Paul, a 3-year-old male, and Joy David, a 3-year-old female, both from Okrika, Rivers State.
Details of the Arrest
According to police reports, on May 10, operatives from the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, working alongside community vigilantes, arrested Vera Imiobong Udoyang in Abia State. She was found in possession of the two children. During interrogation, she confessed to luring the children with donuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo in Okrika, Rivers State, where she resides, before taking them away.
Investigation Findings
Preliminary investigations revealed that Vera was contacted by Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, who in turn was contacted by Ezinne Ukandu. Ezinne had allegedly been approached by a welfare officer identified as Chioma, who is currently at large, to source for a male child aged about three years or arrange for adoption from a willing family. The three suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the welfare officer, Chioma.
The rescued children have been safely reunited with their parents. The investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abia State.
