Thursday night was joyful in Nwezenyi, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, with joyous celebrations as two abducted children, taken on January 22, 2024, were successfully rescued, embracing tearful reunions with their relieved parents.
Seven-year-old Ngozi Nwibo, one of the kidnapped victims, experienced liberation in Oba, Idemili L.G.A. of Anambra State on Sunday, January 4, 2024. The daring operation led to the arrest of the female kidnapper, who was swiftly transported to the Ebonyi State Police Command Headquarters in Abakiliki.
Following her confessional statement, authorities extended their reach to Lagos State, where the second victim, three-year-old Chinaza Nwachukwu, was located and safely rescued. Unfortunately, the woman who had purchased her managed to evade arrest.
In the warmth of their residence, friends, relatives, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with the Nwachukwu family. Overflowing with joy, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Nwachukwu expressed profound gratitude to God for the safe return of their kidnapped daughter.
Despite the considerable financial investment in the police investigation and recovery process, Mr. Simon Nwachukwu emphasized that no amount could equate to the value of their child’s life. He called on the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, and relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice prevails, serving as a stern deterrent to others contemplating such heinous acts.
On the other side of the story, the parents of Ngozi Nwibo, Mr. and Mrs. Okechukwu Nwibo, extended their thanks to God for His miraculous intervention. They expressed heartfelt appreciation to friends, relatives, and well-wishers for their prayers, financial support, and encouragement during this challenging period.
Mr. Francis Nwankwuda, the Landlord who unknowingly housed the lady kidnapper posing as an NYSC member, rejoiced in the children’s rescue. Grateful for his release after over two weeks of detention following a police investigation, he felt vindicated, emphasizing his innocence in the kidnapping.
A celebratory moment also came for Mr. Sebastine Obiya, a teacher at the Special Science School Igbeagu, who shared advice with parents and caregivers to maintain vigilance and ensure their children are always in safe hands. He urged landlords and caretakers to verify the identity of potential tenants before providing accommodation.
The disturbing incident unfolded when, on Sunday, January 22, 2024, a lady pretending to be a Corps member, using the fake name Mercy Francis, sought accommodation, paying six months’ rent to the unsuspecting landlord. The imposter, always engaging the children with videos, eventually lured them away the next day under the guise of buying a recharge card, setting off a chain of events that culminated in a three-week investigation, with the children ultimately found in good health.
Confirming the heartening news, Joshua Ukandu, the Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Police Command Headquarters, provided assurance that justice would be served.
