Ondo Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues 14 Children

Police in Ondo State have apprehended a three-person syndicate specializing in child stealing and trafficking. The group includes a 62-year-old woman, Sabira Izuorah, and a couple, Isiaka Lukman (42) and Abosede Lukman (23).

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this in Akure while speaking to the press. A total of 14 children were rescued, including four babies aged between one week ‍and two months, and 10 children aged two to seven years.

Investigations revealed that Izuorah, from Ihiala, Anambra State, served as the buyer, while the Lukman couple from Ibadan, Oyo State, acted as sellers. The couple reportedly sold each child to Izuorah for N1 million.

The syndicate was uncovered through intelligence-led policing, leading to the couple’s arrest in Ottah Village, Edo State. Further investigation resulted in Izuorah’s arrest in Ihiala, where four babies were found in her custody.

The police report also indicated that the couple had abducted children from Ondo and Osun States. A complainant stated that the suspects had disguised themselves as siblings at her shop before carrying out one of their abductions.

Authorities are continuing investigations and working on reuniting the rescued children with their families.