Nigerian Police Launch Manhunt as Tenant Absconds With Neighbours’ Four Children
It was a horrendous moment that propelled the Police authorities in Abia State to launch a manhunt after a new tenant allegedly absconded with her neighbors’ four children over the weekend.
According to the police spokesperson in Abia Maureen Chinaka, the security agency got a report about the development on Sunday, a day after the incident.
“On the 17th of December 2023, at about 09:00Hrs Mrs Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe, a resident of Ubakala Street by Ossai Road, Umuahia, reported to the Central Police Station(CPS) Umuahia that she entrusted four children to the care of a new female tenant, including two of hers and her neighbors’ namely:
- JOY UDOMA (Female, three years old),
- OGBONNA UDOMA (Male, six years old),
- CHIOMA KINGSLEY (Female, five years old),
- MIRACLE IKECHUKWU (Female, five years old).”
The police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, on the same day, the new tenant made away with the four children. Police interaction with Mrs. Ibe revealed that the tenant had moved in just three days before the incident and Mrs. Ibe could not provide details such as the tenant’s name or GSM number. Anyone with useful information regarding the missing children should report to the nearest police station.
“The complainant, Mrs. Ibe, brought this report to the attention of the police one day after the incident occurred.”
But police authorities in the state have “arrested some suspects associated with the unknown tenant and an investigation is in progress to determine the whereabouts of the children.
“The public is strongly advised to report matters of this nature immediately to the police control room as soon as they discover such occurrences before physically reporting the incident at the police station,” she added in a Monday statement.
The police thus warned residents of the state to “avoid entrusting underage children to unfamiliar individuals and maintain a vigilant approach when minors are seen with adult companions. Interview both the child and the accompanying person; if unsatisfied with explanations, involve the police for necessary action”.