A two-year-old boy who was kidnapped in Bunyia Iruan community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, has been rescued after two suspected kidnappers were apprehended by youths in a neighbouring community.
The child was reportedly abducted two days before his rescue and was allegedly being taken through Ogberia Ochoro community in the Mbube area of Ogoja Local Government Area when members of a local vigilante group intercepted the suspects.
The suspects were identified as 17-year-old Suahnen Lorlumun and 17-year-old Sekeghshie Silas. According to an eyewitness, members of the community vigilante group noticed the two young men allegedly attempting to move the child through the community and immediately stopped them.
The suspects were reportedly taken to a village square, where some youths allegedly tied them to a concrete wall and beat them before police arrived.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar on Thursday.
Eitokpah said the two suspects were taken to the Okubuchi Police Outpost by the Clan Head of Bunyia Iruan for their safety because of concerns that angry youths might lynch them.
The police subsequently released the suspects into the custody of the Clan Head, alongside three officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) who came from Calabar.
The police confirmation provides an official account of the rescue, although investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s abduction and the suspects’ alleged involvement.
The successful rescue has brought relief to the child’s family and residents of the affected communities, while authorities continue to address concerns surrounding child kidnapping and trafficking in the area.
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