Ondo Police Arrest Couple for Child Theft, Rescue 10 Abducted Children

 

Ondo Police Arrest Couple for Child Theft, Rescue 10 Abducted Children

In a significant breakthrough, the Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a couple, Lukman Isiaka, 42, and his wife, Abosede Olanipekun, 23, for allegedly orchestrating a child theft syndicate spanning Ondo and Osun states.The operation led to the rescue of 10 abducted children, shedding light on a disturbing network of child trafficking in the region.




Modus Operandi: Deception and Betrayal

The couple employed cunning tactics to lure unsuspecting parents into their trap. In one reported case, Isiaka, under the alias Samuel Adejobi, feigned romantic interest in a single mother, promising marriage.He introduced his wife, Abosede, as his sister, Ewatomi.Under the pretense of purchasing a mobile phone for the mother, Isiaka left her child in Abosede's care.Seizing the opportunity, the duo absconded with the child, leaving the mother devastated.

The Trafficking Network: From Abduction to Sale

Investigations revealed that the abducted children were sold for ₦1 million each to Sabina Izuorah, a 62-year-old resident of Ihiala in Anambra State.This transaction underscores a broader network of child trafficking, with the couple suspected of extending their criminal activities to Edo State before focusing on Ondo and Osun states.

Rescue and Reunification Challenges

The rescued children, some abducted as far back as 2022, faced challenges in recognizing their biological parents. Having been with their captors for extended periods, their names were changed, and they had adapted to speaking the Igbo dialect, complicating reunification efforts.Additionally, four infants, aged between one and six weeks, were recovered from Izuorah, with their parents yet to be identified.






The arrest has sent shockwaves through the affected communities, with distraught parents flocking to the police headquarters in hopes of reuniting with their missing children.While the successful rescue operation offers a glimmer of hope, the emotional toll on families remains profound.The Ondo State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to dismantling such trafficking networks and bringing all perpetrators to justice.

This case highlights the pervasive issue of child trafficking in Nigeria, where vulnerable children are abducted and sold, often disappearing without a trace. The complexities involved in rescuing and reintegrating these children into their families underscore the need for robust child protection policies and community vigilance.

The apprehension of Lukman Isiaka and Abosede Olanipekun marks a significant victory in the fight against child trafficking in Ondo State.However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting children from such heinous crimes.Continuous community awareness, coupled with diligent law enforcement efforts, is essential to safeguard the rights and futures of Nigeria's children.


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