The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against child trafficking, rescuing four children and arresting two female suspects in connection with the crime ¹. According to the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, the children, aged one to 13 years, were lodged at the Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, ready to be traded before the police intervened.
The children were allegedly trafficked from Bayelsa State by Esther Anthony, who had conspired with someone named Favour to carry out the crime ¹. Anthony’s activities raised suspicions at the guest house, where the Managing Director refused to let her check out with the children, demanding that their mother be present.
Undeterred, Anthony returned with police officers, falsely claiming that the guest house manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a gun. However, the Managing Director contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Anthony had a history of child trafficking, with another family identifying her as the same person who had stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth, a nurse who runs a maternity home ¹.
Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case. All suspects have confessed to the crime, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Port-Harcourt ¹.
The children have since been reunited with their family members, thanks to the swift action of the police. The command’s efforts to combat child trafficking and ensure justice for victims and their families are ongoing.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the case highlights the command’s commitment to tackling child trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice. The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The Rivers State Police Command has urged the public to report any suspicious activities or information about child trafficking to the authorities. The command is working tirelessly to protect vulnerable children and hold traffickers accountable.
In a statement, Iringe-Koko praised the Managing Director of the Alaeze Guest House for his role in foiling the trafficking attempt. The police spokesperson also commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.
The successful operation is a significant blow to child trafficking syndicates operating in Rivers State. The police command remains committed to combating this heinous crime and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
The case is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in the fight against child trafficking.
