By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Operatives of the Rivers Police Command have busted a child trafficking gang operating in Ubima community of Ikwerre local government area of the State and its environs with network across the neighbouring states.
According to the police, the operation that led to the uncovering of the gang began with the complaint of one Ms. Precious Friday of Ubima Community that her child was missing.
This led to the arrest of one Mercy Enyindah, who visited the complainant’s home shortly before the disappearance of the child.
According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Spokesperson of the Rivers Police Command, Enyindah, confessed that she stole the child and two other children, along with an accomplice she identified as Amaka Ewuzie, between February 16th and March 2023.
The confession led investigators to Delta State, where one Chialuka Iheanacho and her husband, Chukwuma were also arrested.
Iringe-Koko said that the other members of the gang said to be in Imo State are still being tracked, while some of the rescued children have been reunited with their parents.
She also said efforts are ongoing to rescue one Jasper Friday, a two-year-old child who was sold by members of the gang in Delta State.
The Command has requested all well-meaning and public-spirited persons to furnish the Police with information that could lead to the rescue of the child.
Meanwhile, all residents of Rivers State are advised to be weary of exposing their children to visitors they do not know intimately.
The Command’s Spokesperson advises residents of Rivers State that whenever in doubt or they sensed suspicious of any movement, they should call the Police on the following emergency numbers: 08039213071, 08098880134.
