The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State has raised concerns about the increasing incidence of child trafficking in the state.
The Osun NSCDC urged parents to be vigilant and prioritize the safety of their children, especially during the school holidays when children are more likely to be in public places without supervision.
Commandant Michael Adaralewa, expressing alarm over the recent reports of child kidnappings in August, stated through spokesperson Adeleke Kehinde that the Command is actively investigating three cases of child abduction.
He also revealed that several suspects have been apprehended in connection with these crimes.
The statement said, “On August 2, 2024, it was reported at the Command’s Headquarters, along Iwo-Ibadan Road, Osun State, that a male child aged one year and three months was kidnapped at Osunjela, along Ilesa Garage.
“Discreet investigation revealed that one lady known as Tawa was introduced to the mother of the baby by a family friend known as Sodiq, who said Tawa wanted to learn bag making from the woman.
“The very first day the suspect, Tawa, came to work, she carried the baby pretending to be playing with him. She thereafter went out with the baby’s elder sister of ten years old, who was sent on an errand alongside the younger brother. While on their way, Tawa asked the baby’s elder sister to go and deliver potatoes to the mother. However, Tawa took away with the one year and three months old baby.
“Also, on the same day, there was a report that a three year old child went missing at Ifesowapo Street, Owode, Osogbo, Osun State. Investigation revealed that the child was last seen playing in a shop and his whereabout has not been known till now.”
The statement added, “Another five-months-old female child belonging to deaf and dumb parents in Agbeye town, Odo-Otin local government of Osun state, was kidnapped on Tuesday, 27th August, 2024 in a farm, where her mother was gathering firewood.
“The child was laid under a shade of trees so that the mother could quickly finish packing the firewood. By the time the mother went back to breastfeed the baby, she was no where to be found.”
The Osun NSCDC chief assured the public that the Command is working tirelessly alongside other sister agencies in the state to apprehend the culprits.
He urged artisans and employers to thoroughly vet individuals before hiring them.
Adaralewa also encouraged parents to closely monitor their children, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their safety, particularly during this holiday season.
“Children are special gifts from God and the future of the country,” he emphasized.
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
