The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two schoolchildren who were allegedly kidnapped by an unidentified tricycle (keke) operator in the Nsulu community of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Isiala Ngwa North confirmed the incident after it was reported to the division, adding that an investigation is already underway.
According to the police, the children were returning home from school during a rainfall when the tricycle operator offered them a ride. During the journey, the suspect reportedly stopped and claimed that his tricycle had run out of fuel.
He allegedly handed ₦1,000 and a jerrycan to the older children in the group, asking them to buy fuel. However, when the children returned, both the tricycle operator and the two younger pupils who had remained inside the vehicle had disappeared.
“The suspect gave the older children ₦1,000 and a jerrycan to purchase fuel. By the time they returned, neither the tricyclist nor the two younger children could be found,” DSP Chinaka said.
She assured the public that the command had commenced investigations and was working to locate the missing children and apprehend the suspect.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Umuosu Development Association, Barrah Chiedozie, also confirmed the incident, describing it as deeply disturbing. In a statement issued over the weekend, he said the abducted pupils were yet to be found and appealed for urgent efforts to secure their safe return.
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