The Anambra State Police Command has rescued four children from the same family who were reportedly kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.
This was disclosed through a press statement issued by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the state’s police command, on Saturday.
According to Ikenga, the incident occurred on December 15, 2023, around 11:00 PM, when the Abagana police received distressing information through the police hotline about the abduction of four children from a family residing in Achalla Village, Enugwu Agidi, within the Njikoka Local Government Area.
He said that the children’s mother, who made the distress call, recounted that the family was watching television around 10:00 PM when a sudden power outage disrupted their evening. Upon investigation by the father and mother, they noticed three gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and fled the scene for their safety.
He added that upon their return to the house, they tragically discovered that their four sleeping children had been taken by the gunmen during their absence.
Acting swiftly upon receiving the report, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, immediately instructed the mobilization of police officers and vigilantes to pursue the kidnappers and secure the release of the abducted children.
“The four children aged 13, 14, 21 and 21 years, were rescued close to Urum, 25 kilometres away from their home in Achala village, Enugwu-Agidi.
“They have been reunited with their parents while the dragnet for the armed herdsmen is being extended to neighbouring communities.
“The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to those engaged in kidnapping their fellow humans for money that when caught, they will be treated worse than armed robbers.
“Meanwhile security has been beefed up in the area to forestall a re-occurrence,” the statement added.