The Ebonyi State Government, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, has confirmed the rescue of five male children at various locations across the state.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development to newsmen, adding that the operatives of the command played a vital role in getting the boys off the street.
According to the Command, the children were handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further investigations and possible reunion with their parents.
At the premises of Ebonyi State Juvenile Remand Home, Ugwuachara Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, disclosed that the children were seen wandering until the police intervened.
Nwamkpuma, who was represented by the Head of Child Development Department of the ministry, Emmanuel Nkwuda, said the children are precious gifts from God and should be protected.
The government called on people looking for their missing children to visit the ministry as soon as possible for an interview, identification, and reunion.
The commissioner threatened that if the parents of the lost but found children are not seen within a reasonable period of time, the ministry will be compelled to place the children for adoption or fostering so as not to deprive them of adequate parental care and love, dignity, education, and name.
She explained that the ministry does not operate a school or skill acquisition centre within the facility, stressing that prolonged stay without meaningful engagement could negatively affect the children’s development.
Nwamkpuma also cautioned against allowing strangers to interact freely with children, recalling a recent incident in the Nkwagu axis of the state where some women were allegedly deceived and three children taken away.
The ministry called on members of the public with relevant information to come forward to help reunite with their families.
Southeastposts reports that the five children are between the ages of three and 14 years.
Ebonyi Police Command Rescues 5 Missing Children
By Nwoko
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