The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in child kidnappings across the state, urging parents to prioritize the safety of their children, particularly during the ongoing school holidays.
Dr. Michael Adaralewa, the Commandant of NSCDC Osun State, made a passionate appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant, emphasizing the increased risks children face during the holiday season when they are more likely to be in public places without adequate supervision.
Commandant Adaralewa disclosed that the command is currently investigating three separate cases of child abduction reported within the month of August, with some suspects already in custody.
One of the incidents under investigation occurred on August 2, 2024, involving the kidnapping of a one-year-and-three-month-old boy in Osunjela, along Ilesa Garage. Preliminary investigations revealed that a woman identified as Tawa, introduced to the child’s mother by a mutual acquaintance named Sodiq, allegedly kidnapped the child. Tawa had posed as someone interested in learning bag-making from the mother. On her first day at work, Tawa took the child under the pretense of playing with him and later absconded with the child after sending the child’s 10-year-old sister on an errand.
On the same day, another disturbing incident was reported at Ifesowapo Street, Owode, Osogbo, where a three-year-old boy went missing. The child was last seen playing at a shop, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
In a separate incident on August 27, 2024, a five-month-old girl was kidnapped in Agbeye town, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. The child, whose parents are deaf and dumb, was abducted from a farm where her mother was gathering firewood. The mother had left the baby under a tree while she worked, only to return and find the child missing.
The NSCDC Commandant assured the public that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is working relentlessly to track down the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. He urged artisans and employers to conduct thorough background checks on their employees to prevent similar incidents.
Commandant Adaralewa also reiterated the importance of parental vigilance, stressing that children are precious gifts and the future of the nation. He called on all parents to prioritize the safety and well-being of their children, especially during this holiday period.
The NSCDC Osun State Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the peace and safety of the community.