Woman Leaves Children with New Neighbour in Akwa Ibom, They Go Missing

The Akwa Ibom State Police is looking into a case where a woman left her children with a new neighbour who then disappeared with them.

This event happened in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area and has been shared widely in a video on social media.

In a statement on Thursday in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the police are trying to find out what happened, locate the children, and catch anyone involved.

The statement said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reacted to a trending video circulating online in which a woman was reported to have entrusted her children to a relatively new co-tenant who allegedly absconded with them before her return.

“The incident, which reportedly occurred in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is currently receiving the attention of the Police, and investigation has commenced with a view to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the matter, locating the children and apprehending any person found culpable.”

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has warned landlords and property agents to be more careful when choosing tenants.

Azare said some people with bad intentions can get accommodation, gain the trust of others, and then commit crimes like child abduction and trafficking.

He told landlords and agents to make sure that potential tenants provide proper information, including valid IDs, working phone numbers, previous addresses, next-of-kin details, and trustworthy referees.

“I want to therefore advise landlords and property agents to ensure that prospective tenants provide verifiable information before taking possession of any property. Such information should, as much as possible, include valid means of identification, functional telephone numbers, previous residential addresses, next-of-kin details and credible guarantors or referees,” he said.

He also asked landlords and co-tenants to keep proper records of who lives in their buildings and report any suspicious behaviour that could threaten safety.

The police warned that anyone who knowingly helps criminals, hides their identity, gives false information, or helps suspects avoid arrest will face investigation and prosecution.

The commissioner urged content creators and social media users to be careful not to share sensitive information about child abduction cases without talking to the police first.

He pointed out that while social media can raise awareness, sharing too much information too soon can help offenders escape and destroy evidence.

“Henceforth, anyone whose deliberate actions obstruct an investigation, conceal an offender, compromise the rescue of a victim or materially assist a suspect to evade justice under the guise of content creation will be investigated and, where evidence warrants, prosecuted,” the statement said.

Azare also advised parents to be very careful when leaving their children with new neighbours or people they do not know well.

He assured the community that the police will use all legal means to fight child abduction and trafficking, rescue victims, and catch those responsible.

He asked anyone with information about the missing children to contact the nearest police station or the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.