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The Delta State Police Command has rescued an abducted two-year-old child in Warri and reunited the victim with the parents after a swift operation that also saved the suspect from being lynched by an angry mob.
Police said the rescue followed intensified efforts by the Command to tackle child trafficking, child stealing and related crimes across the state
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri, carried out the operation on Sunday May 10, at about 9:15 a.m. at Igbudu Market, Warri.
He explained that a 29-year-old suspect, identified as Fejiro Obaduemu of Idesor Street, Esi Layout, Warri, was intercepted by vigilant residents while carrying the child hidden inside a sack bag.
“The manner the child was concealed raised serious suspicion of child stealing,” the police said.
As tension rose and residents attempted to attack the suspect, officers of the Quick Response Squad reportedly arrived on time, rescued both the child and the suspect, and evacuated them from the scene.
The suspect, who sustained injuries during the mob action, was taken to the Police Clinic in Warri for treatment before being placed in custody for further investigation.
Police said further investigations on May 11 led to the successful tracing of the child’s parents, after which the toddler was formally handed back to the family in the presence of leaders of the Hausa community in Warri.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed that he was sent by another person in Warri to steal the child.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest the alleged accomplice and dismantle any criminal network linked to the crime.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reassured residents of the Command’s determination to protect children and stamp out human trafficking.
“The Command remains committed to protecting children and combating all forms of human trafficking and related crimes,” he said.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements involving children to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line: 08036684974.
