An 8-year-old pupil of Government Primary School, Ikot Uboh in Akwa Ibom State, Abasiofon Udeme Udoekpo, has escaped from the grips of suspected kidnappers after raising an alarm during her abduction.
The abduction occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday June, 3, 2025, at Ikot Ibritam Junction, but the girl reportedly raised the alarm and thereafter escaped, resulting in her rescue by some ‘Good Samaritans’ in the community.
Udoekpo was later taken to the office of the Oruk Anam LGA Chairman, Hon. Sunday Festus for onward transmission to the police for investigation and possible arrest of her abductors.
According to the Press Secretary to the chairman, Mercy Udoh Edidiong, efforts were currently ongoing to establish contact with the victims’ parents.
“We wish to inform the public that Miss Abasiofon Udeme Udoekpo, a young girl, narrowly escaped an attempted child trafficking incident near Ikot Ibritam Junction.
“She was found and safely brought to the office of the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Sunday Festus, at the Council Secretariat, Ikot Ibritam,” Edidiong said.
She revealed that the girl was able to identify her mother as Mrs. Glory Udoekpo who was said to have left her in the care of a certain lady at Oruk Anam, as a house help, as well as identified her father as one Mr. Monday Tom.
“Following her rescue, she has been safely transferred to the Police Divisional Headquarters, Ikot Okoro, for further investigation and care,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, operatives of Oruk Anam Division of Akwa Ibom Police Command said they have commenced manhunt for the suspected kidnappers.
The LG chairman urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies, stressing “Child safety is a responsibility we all share.”
