The Abia State Police Command has apprehended four suspects in connection with the disappearance of four children allegedly stolen by a new neighbour in Umuahia, the state capital.

This incident follows a similar case less than a month ago when all four children of the same parents were stolen by a tricycle operator.

In the recent incident over the weekend, two of the stolen children are siblings, one is their cousin, and the other is from a different parent.

They were reportedly taken by a tenant who had recently moved into their compound on Ubakala Street by Ossah Road, Umuahia.

According to sources, the unidentified neighbour spent two days in the apartment, treating the children before disappearing.

The incident was reported by Mrs. Ifeanyi Uduma Ibe, who left her four children in the care of the new neighbour.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, stated, “On the 17th of December 2023, at about 0900 Hrs, Mrs Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe reported to the Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia that she entrusted four children to the care of a new female tenant, including two of hers and her neighbours.”

The children are identified as Joy Uduma (female, three years old), Ogbonna Uduma (male, six years old), Chioma Kingsley (female, five years old), and Miracle Ikechukwu (female, five years old).

Mrs. Ibe, unable to provide details such as the tenant’s name or contact number, reported that the tenant had moved in just three days before the incident.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

The landlord of the house, Mr. Uche Akachukwu, expressed surprise, denying any knowledge of the tenant’s arrival.

He claimed that he gave the agent the key to show her the room on Thursday for a signing ceremony with a lawyer.

The landlord was unaware that the tenant had already moved in and allegedly absconded with the children.

Efforts to trace the tenant have been challenging, with the landlord revealing that she paid her rent via Point of Sale without providing necessary identification.

Police authorities have pledged to apprehend the runaway tenant and her possible accomplices. The investigation is ongoing.