Osun: NSCDC investigates three cases of child kidnapping in August
…urges parents to prioritize safety
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has announced that it is currently investigating three cases of child kidnapping, with some suspects already apprehended in connection with the crimes.
The Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Michael Adaralewa, expressed concern over the reports of child kidnappings received in August, according to a statement by the corps’ spokesperson, ASC Kehinde Adeleke.
Adaralewa stated that the recent surge in child kidnappings in Osun State has raised serious concerns, with cases reported in Osunjela, Owode, and Agbeye town.
He said, “On August 2, 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. A discreet investigation revealed that a woman named Tawa was introduced to the mother of the baby by a family friend named Sodiq, who mentioned that Tawa wanted to learn bag-making from the woman.
“On the very first day that Tawa came to work, she carried the baby, pretending to play with him. She then left with the baby’s elder sister, who is ten years old and was sent on an errand alongside her younger brother. While on their way, Tawa asked the elder sister to deliver potatoes to their mother. However, Tawa took the one-year-and-three-month-old baby away.”
He continued, “Also, on the same day, a report was received that a three-year-old child went missing on Ifesowapo Street, Owode, Osogbo, Osun State. Investigations revealed that the child was last seen playing in a shop, and his whereabouts have not been known since then.”
“Furthermore, another case involved a five-month-old female child, whose parents are deaf and mute, from Agbeye town in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State. She was kidnapped on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, while her mother was gathering firewood on a farm. The child had been placed under a shade of trees so her mother could quickly finish collecting the firewood. By the time the mother returned to breastfeed the baby, the child was nowhere to be found.”
The NSCDC commandant appealed to parents to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children, especially during the school holidays when children are more likely to be in public places without supervision.
He assured the public that the command is working tirelessly with other agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
Adaralewa also urged employers and artisans to thoroughly screen potential employees to ensure workplace safety.
He further encouraged parents to keep a close watch on their children and prioritize their safety during the holiday period.
