By Godwin Akomah, Umuahia
The Abia State Police Command has arrested three women over the alleged abduction of two three-year-old children from Okrika in Rivers State after reportedly luring them with donuts and soft drinks.
The suspects were identified as Vera Imiobong Udoyang, 30, from Etimekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State; Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, 40, from Amaraku in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State; and Ezinne Ukandu, 41, from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the police, the rescued children were identified as Caleb Tamunoye Paul, male, 3, and Joy David, female, 3, both natives of Okrika, Rivers State.
The command disclosed that operatives of the Akwete Divisional Police Headquarters, working alongside community vigilantes, arrested Vera Udoyang on May 10 in Abia State after she was found in possession of the children.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect confessed to taking the children after enticing them with donuts and soft drinks at Ozoaporo in Okrika, where she resides.
Further investigations allegedly uncovered a wider child trafficking arrangement involving the other suspects.
According to the police, Vera was initially contacted by Chioma Duru Ukanwoke, who was in turn allegedly contacted by Ezinne Ukandu.
Investigators further revealed that Ukandu had allegedly received instructions from another woman identified simply as Chioma, said to be a welfare officer currently at large, to source for a male child aged about three years or facilitate an adoption arrangement from any willing family.
The police said the three suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing welfare officer.
The rescued children have since been reunited with their parents, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
