Residents of Umuahia, Abia State, celebrated in jubilation as the Abia State Police Command confirmed the successful rescue of four children who were kidnapped on December 16, 2024, at Ubakala Street, Ossah Road. The police, with robust technical intelligence and support from the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended Ifeoma Abonyi, the new tenant responsible for the abduction, in Asaba, Delta State.
A press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, disclosed that the rescue operation and arrest of eight suspects were carried out through diligent investigation. The abducted children’s mother, Mrs. Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe, had reported the incident, prompting the Abia State Police Command to launch an investigation.
The statement revealed that six additional children were found in the custody of the arrested suspects. Of the eight suspects (five females and three males), three individuals suspected of complicity in the crime are still at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them. An ongoing investigation will determine the real status of the six other children found in the suspects’ custody, with the possibility of conducting DNA tests.
The successful rescue and arrests brought relief and joy to the town, with residents describing it as a “Perfect Christmas” gift from God. The community praised the Abia State Police Command for their prompt and effective response to the abduction, expressing hope that the first set of four kids stolen on November 27 would also be found soon.