Aniefiok Christopher
Three children from Ikot Ekpaw Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State were rescued from two suspected kidnappers Wednesday evening.
The children were said to be returning from evening lessons when the kidnappers accosted and dragged them into their a mini bus en route to unknown destination.
According to an eye witness, one of the children raised an alarm in the vehicle that drew attention of onlookers to the scene.
The mob accosted the bus, dragged out the kidnappers and set the vehicle ablaze before an unidentified person called policemen who came and took them to their station.
A press release signed by DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer for Commissioner of Police on Thursday, said upon receipt of a distress call, police mobilised to the scene, and rescued the children.
”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat crime and protect vulnerable members of society with the successful rescue of three abducted children and the arrest of two suspected child traffickers in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
”On 3rd June, 2026, at about 1900hrs, operatives of the Command received a distress call through a concerned individual , reporting the abduction of three children in Ikot Ekpaw Village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
”Upon receipt of the report, detectives were immediately mobilized, and all strategic entry and exit routes within the area were swiftly cordoned off in a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators,” the release stated.
According to it, ”During the intensive search, operatives intercepted a mini bus with Registration Number 830 PH. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the three missing children inside the bus. The children were rescued unharmed, while two suspects were arrested on the spot.
”The suspects are: Emmanuel Johnny, male, 39 years, of Ikot Itokpo Village, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, currently residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Ifiok Umoh, male, 28 years, of Ikot Ikpene Village, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
”The rescued children have since been reunited with their families, while the suspects remain in police custody.”
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has commended the swift response of the operatives and the vigilance of community members whose timely information aided the successful rescue operation.
The Commissioner has directed that a discreet and comprehensive investigation be carried out to identify and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate for prosecution. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction, and all forms of crime across the State.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring that every useful piece of information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
