Police Rescue 16-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Abducted In Enugu, Abandoned In Onitsha

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have rescued a 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in somewhere in Ibagwa Aka in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State and later abandoned near a security checkpoint in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The victim, according to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra State, superintendent of police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was recovered during a joint security patrol at Ekene Junction along Oguta Road, Onitsha.

Ikenga stated in a statement he made available to newsmen in Awka on Monday that the boy was reportedly dropped from a black Toyota Highlander SUV by unidentified persons close to the checkpoint before the patrol team intercepted him.

He said that the swift action of the joint patrol team immediately after the boy was dropped prevented further harm and led to the boy’s rescue.

Ikenga, said the incident happened in the evening of Sunday and that the Command has since intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations to identify and arrest members of the suspected criminal gang behind the abduction.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama according to the state police spokesman has already commended operatives of the joint patrol team for their vigilance and professionalism.

“He further urged personnel to sustain intelligence-led patrols, strategic checkpoints, and coordinated security operations across the State.

“The Command is now appealing to the public, particularly residents of Igboeze South and Ibagwa-Aka in Enugu State, to provide information that could help locate the victim’s family and facilitate his reunification.

“Members of the public with useful information are advised to contact the nearest Police Station or the Anambra State Police Command,” SP Ikenga added.

The police assured residents and visitors that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements was ongoing.

“The Command reassures residents and visitors of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, responding swiftly to distress situations, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Anambra State,” the statement concluded.