It was celebration galore on Thursday night at Nwezenyi, in Abakiliki Local government Area of Ebonyi State as two children kidnapped on January 22, 2024, were rescued and reunited with their parents.
One of the kidnapped victims, Ngozi Nwibo, aged seven years, was rescued at Oba, Idemili L.G.A. of Anambra State on Sunday, 4th January, 2024, during which the female kidnapper was arrested and brought to Ebonyi State Police Command Headquarters in Abakiliki.
Following her confessional statement, she was taken to Lagos State where the second victim, three-year-old Chinaza Nwachukwu was also rescued, while the woman who bought her escaped arrest.
Speaking at his residence when friends, relatives and well wishers gathered to celebrate with them, the parents of Chinaza Nwachukwu, Mr and Mrs Simon Nwachukwu whose joy knew no bounds, expressed gratitude to God for the rescue of their kidnapped daughter.
Mr Simon Nwachukwu said that they spent a huge amount of money in the process of police investigation and recovery of their daughter, but maintained that nothing could worth the life of their child.
Nwachukwu called on the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru and relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice prevailed with regard to those involved in the dastardly act to serve as a deterrent to others.
The parents of Ngozi Nwibo, Mr. and Mrs Okechukwu Nwibo, while thanking God for His wonderful works, expressed appreciation to friends, relatives and well wishers for their prayers, financial support and encouragement during their trail period.
The Landlord, Mr Francis Nwankwuda, who gave accommodation to the lady kidnapper, who pretended to be a member of NYSC, expressed joy that the kidnapped children had been rescued.
He thanked God that he had been released after more than two weeks of detention following police investigation and expressed joy that God had vindicated him, that he had no hand in the kidnap of the children.
A teacher at the Special Science School Igbeagu, Mr Sebastine Obiya, who was on hand to celebrate with the parents of the rescued children, advised parents and caregivers to be vigilant at all times and to ensure that their children were aways in safe hands..
He also advised landlords and caretakers to verify the identify of anyone in search of house before giving them accomodation.
Recalled that on Sunday, January 22, 2024, a lady who pretended to be a Corps member who gave her name as Mercy Francis (fake name) went in search of accommodation and paid six months rent to the landlord.
The fake lady Corper, always played video to the children.
The following day, she requested that the two children should accompany her to buy recharge card at the junction, from where she subsequently made away with them.
The parents who waited for their return till night, reported to the police who lunched investigation into the matter and recovered the two children after three weeks.
The children were in good health condition.
When contacted, the Ebonyi State Police Command Headquarters Public Relations officer, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the cheering news.
