The Nigeria Police has busted a kidnapping ring that specialised in selling children between the ages of one month and 10 years.
The cartel has its base in Imo State, with tentacles across the South-East and South-West.
The gang targets churches, schools, recreational centers and hospitals in its quest for children to seize.
Recently, however, the police arrested eight members of the gang, led by a female, Ikewete Lucyann. The others are Theresa Asiegbu, Chioma Emeka, Happiness Peter, Martina Nwadike, Martha Ojimba, Chizoba Eze and Amaka Eze.
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With the arrest of the suspects, the police also rescued some children who were kidnapped by the gang. The children are: Somtochukwu Obiduba, 9, and Kosarachi Obiduba, 7, born of the same parents, Onyiyechi Okpala, Divine Isaac Anyanka, who was stolen from St. Michael Catholic Church, Okigwe, Imo State, Habeeb, a four-year-old who did not know her surname, and Wunmi, a two-year-old whose surname was also not known.
They were stolen from Sabo-Ajamgbadi, Lagos. Others are Chisere Nwadike, Ginika Ndubuisi and two-day-old twins, a boy, and girl.
In making the announcement, the Imo State police public relations officer, Mr. Andrew Enweren, said: “Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested eight suspects in connection with child stealing and trafficking. The arrests were made between August and September at Agbor Park in Benin City, Edo State, and Imo State, respectively. A total of 11 stolen children were rescued from the suspects, some of whom have been identified by their parents.
“The children are between one and nine years, respectively. The investigation has revealed that two of the children Habeeb and Wunmi, were stolen from the Sabo area of Lagos State. Suspects have confessed to having sold some of the children for between N300,000 and N600,000.
“Parents whose children are missing are advised to report to the public relations department of the state police command for identification and collection of their children.
“The commissioner of police, Imo State, Dasuki D. Galadanchi, has eulogized the community policing efforts of the command, as he has resolved to make Imo State very hot for criminals to operate in.”
