Urges Parents to Be Vigilant

By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun State Command has raised the alarm over a recent surge in child kidnappings in the state.

The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Michael Adaralewa, urged parents to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children, particularly during the school holidays when children are more likely to be in public places without supervision.

The Commandant, who expressed concern over the reported cases of child kidnappings in August, said the command is currently investigating three cases of child abduction, with some suspects already apprehended in connection with the crimes.

“On 2nd August 2024, it was reported at the Command’s Headquarters along Iwo-Ibadan Road, Osun State, that a male child, aged one year and three months, was kidnapped at Osunjela, near Ilesa Garage. Discreet investigations revealed that a woman known as Tawa was introduced to the baby’s mother by a family friend named Sodiq, who said Tawa wanted to learn bag-making from the mother.

“On the very first day that Tawa came to work, she carried the baby, pretending to play with him. She then went out with the baby’s elder sister, who is ten years old, after being sent on an errand with her younger brother. While on their way, Tawa asked the sister to deliver some potatoes to their mother. However, Tawa absconded with the one-year and three-month-old baby.

“Also, on the same day, there was a report that a three-year-old child went missing at Ifesowapo Street, Owode, Osogbo. Investigations revealed that the child was last seen playing in a shop, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

“Moreover, another five-month-old female child, belonging to deaf and mute parents in Agbeye town, Odo-Otin Local Government of Osun State, was kidnapped on Tuesday, 27th August 2024, in a farm where her mother was gathering firewood. The child was laid under a tree for shade while the mother quickly finished packing the firewood. By the time the mother returned to breastfeed her baby, the child was nowhere to be found.

“The Osun NSCDC Commandant assured the public that the command is working tirelessly with other security agencies in the state to apprehend the perpetrators. He urged artisans and employers to properly profile those they employ.

“Commandant Adaralewa also enjoined parents to keep a close eye on their children, stressing the importance of prioritising their safety, especially during this holiday period. He emphasised that children are special gifts from God and represent the future of the country.”