From TCNEWS
HRM King O’tuwa 1st (MD/PhD Computer Medicine, USA) of Ama’ba Ime Kingdom in Ikwuanó LGA, Abia has lauded His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti and Mayor Chief Osinachi Nwaka for receiving the 3 rescued kidnapped children in his office today.
Recalled that on Friday, May 10, 2024 a motorcyclist absconded with the three children namely Gideon Osinachi, 8 years old (in primary two), Divine Osinachi, 6 years old (in nursery three), and 4-year-old Israel Osinachi (in nursery one), while conveying them home from school at Ama’ba Ime Oboro community in the Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
In a release he made available to our correspondent, King O’tuwa 1st lauded the State government’s unwavering efforts, which led to the rescue and safe return of the three Ama’ba community children of the same parents.
King O’tuwa 1st also appreciated Governor Otti and Chief Nwaka’s efforts to ensure a safer Ikwuano and Abia State environment to prevent kidnapping of children and abduction of citizens and residents.
King O’tuwa 1st who encouraged neighbourhood watch surveillance system in his Community, a method of developing close liaison between households in a neighbourhood, the local police and other relevant agencies, said it will help to protect lives and property, and also help to reduce the fear of crime in the community through improved home security.
He encouraged all the motorcycle, tricycle, hunters and other recognized unions in the community to embrace the concept of neighborhood watch, switch on their surveillance system and report to the local vigilante in the community of any suspicious character or movement, so that the vigilante group would hand over to the Police the suspects within the shortest possible time for interrogation and possibly for prosecution.
“If you see any suspicious movement, alert the security on ground to inform the police”, King O’tuwa 1st tasked his subjects also, even as he reminded parents that it is their responsibility, as parents and responsible citizens, to safeguard their children and to teach them the skills to be safe.
He said, “Every household and school should teach pupils and children about safety and protection measures. Also, parents should take an active interest in their children. Parents, guardians and caregivers have a duty to equip children with the knowledge and skills to deal with any crisis, including being kidnapped”, King O’tuwa 1st advised.
King O’tuwa 1st, who made relentless efforts, engaging security agencies across the federation including Abuja to ensure that the children were rescued unhurt, further disclosed that a conscious effort would be made in Ama’ba community to prevent a repeat of the sad scenario.
Pix: The rescued children and their parents.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Police Command has appreciated the collaboration of various stakeholders, such as the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Mr. Osinachi Nwaka, and Abia State Homeland Security, amongst others, towards the rescue of the children.In a press release tagged, “
Three Children Abducted at Abia Rescued by Abia State Police Command”, signed and made available to newsmen by ASP Maureen Chinaka LLB Anipr Police Public Relations Officer for CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the Commissioner of Police, the Command also advised the public to stay security-conscious and ensure children’s safety.
The command enjoined parents and the public not to leave children with unfamiliar persons, and report suspicious persons with children to the Police or other security agencies.
The Command issued out the numbers to call to include: 08035415406, 08079210004, 08079210003, 08079210005, or to contact the nearest police station or police personnel.
The release read partly, “On 10 May 2024, the Abia State Police Command received a report that three male children, namely: Gideon Osinachi (8 years old), Obioma Divine Osinachi (6 years old), and Israel Osinachi (4 years old), were abducted by an unknown cyclist from Amoba Okoro village in Ikwuanno LGA of Abia State. The children were taken away by the cyclist who was hired by their grandmother to take them to their home after the children had paid her a visit.
“We are happy to announce that all the three children have been rescued and reunited with their family. On 21/05/2024 Obioma Divine Osinachi was rescued at Ekwulobia in Anambra State, Gideon Osinachi was rescued at Nkpor in Anambra State on 23/05/2024. The last of the three, Israel Osinachi was rescued at Warri in Delta State on 13/06/2024.
” Investigation and efforts to rescue the children lasted from 10/05/2024 to 13/06/2024. During this period, four female suspects and one male suspect were arrested in connection with the crime. The suspects were arrested variously at Amawbia and Nkpor in Anambra State, as well as Warri in Delta State.They include, Reverend Sister Pauline Alozie (female), Chizoba DJ (female), Glory Umuna (female), Mrs. Georgina Nonye Okoye (female), and Philip Ibe (male). They are in custody and will be charged to court very soon”.