By Tola Gbadamosi

In a remarkable breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has successfully reunited a kidnapped three-year old boy, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Chukwu, with his family.

The child, who was abducted in Ihiala Local Government area of Anambra State, was found in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The child’s uncle, Chidebere Okwuosa, shared the emotional ordeal with The Hope Metro, recalling how Ifeanyi went missing last Thursday while his parents were away—his father at work and his mother attending a burial.

“When we returned, we couldn’t find him. We searched the entire village with the help of a town crier and reported the case to the police, but there was no trace of Ifeanyi,” he said.

Hope came when the family saw a report online about Amotekun rescuing two children, one of whom was reportedly from Anambra. “We sent someone from Ondo to verify and, behold, it was our boy. He was all the way here in Ondo State,” Mr. Okwuosa added emotionally.

He praised the professionalism and transparency of the Amotekun Corps. “Since we arrived yesterday, no one has asked us for a bribe. If it were elsewhere, they’d be demanding money. We are truly grateful to the Ondo State Governor and the Amotekun commander.”

Commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the rescue, stating that the boy was almost sold off by a syndicate operating between Anambra and Ondo States. “It was initially difficult to trace the boy’s parents, but through diligent investigation, we were able to confirm his identity. He will be handed over to his father once documentation is complete.”

Commander Adeleye urged parents to be vigilant, emphasizing the importance of monitoring their children and reporting suspicious activities immediately to the Amotekun distress line.

The family, though overjoyed, noted that Ifeanyi’s mother is currently unwell due to the trauma of the incident. “She is still in the village, but we came with pictures and his baptismal card to confirm his identity. We are grateful beyond words,” said Mr. Okwuosa.

It is said  described on a hopeful note that Ifeanyi, described as “even looking better than before,” was safely in the care of Amotekun officers, awaiting full reunification with his parents.