Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have successfully apprehended three suspects involved in child trafficking, culminating in the rescue of children who were victims of these heinous acts. The suspects were captured across three different states, reflecting the widespread nature of their activities. Those arrested are identified as Peace Patrick Paul of Obot in Akara, Akwa Ibom; Mary Eunice in Aba, Abia; and Bella Uko in Asaba, Delta.
In an official parade of suspects, which took place at the police headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, on Wednesday, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, provided insights into the operations of these criminals. According to Durosinmi, Peace Patrick Paul deceived Utibeabasi Monday Enang and forcibly took her two children, aged three and five, in May. She subsequently sold them to Mary Eunice in Aba, who in turn sold them to Bella Uko in Asaba.
The Commissioner of Police revealed that the mother of the abducted children was subjected to a near-fatal beating when she confronted the suspect to retrieve her children. Fearing for her life, the mother was compelled to flee from the scene.
In a separate case, the police arrested a female suspect named Alayodi Paul Onyekwere from Abroma, Rivers State. She was taken into custody for stealing an 11-year-old girl belonging to Emmanuel Macauley Daniel of Ikot Ikot Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area. The suspect alleged that she had been instructed by her grandmother to steal the child, which ultimately led to her arrest. The child was successfully recovered by the police.
The Commissioner of Police assured that the stolen children will be reunited with their families, a step that marks a heartening end to the traumatic ordeal. Utibeabasi Enang, the mother of the abducted children, recounted how the suspect Peace Patrick Paul lured her with a promise of medical treatment for her ailment. However, after taking her children away, she embarked on a terrifying journey to an unknown destination. Utibeabasi’s bravery and determination ultimately led to the safe recovery of her children.
The parade also included the case of Sunday Michael Ben, a father who was accused of raping his six-year-old daughter. During the interrogation, the suspect claimed innocence, asserting that he had not committed the crime. He speculated that his girlfriend, who was present in the house at the time, might be responsible. The young victim, on her part, stated that she had been touched at night but was unable to identify the perpetrator.
The Commissioner of Police affirmed that comprehensive investigations are underway, and upon their conclusion, the suspects will face charges in court. These cases shed light on the disturbing prevalence of child trafficking and abuse and highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat such crimes.
