Governor Alex Otti of Abia State welcomed three children, Gideon, Divine, and Israel, who had been abducted on May 10, 2024, from Ama Ime, Ikwuano Local Government Area.
The children, who are siblings, were rescued through the efforts of security agencies coordinated by the Abia State government. They were found in Anambra and Delta states.
Otti, receiving the children, their parents, and well-wishers at his residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, expressed gratitude to God and everyone involved in the children’s safe return. He warned parents to be more vigilant about their children’s whereabouts to prevent such incidents in the future.
Otti urged security operatives to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are prosecuted. “I charge you to bring everyone involved to book to serve as a deterrent to others,” he stated. The governor also pledged government support for the rescued children.
Governor Otti explained that his regular visits to heads and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces aim to maintain tight security in Abia and boost economic activities.
He emphasized his commitment to driving criminals out of the state. “I have told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain themselves and us; one person must run away,” he declared.
“Unfortunately, I’m not the one that would run because I have the mandate of the people and I have the mandate of God. So, it’s the evil ones that would run away, even to start running before somebody starts pursuing them and that is what we are seeing.”
Osinachi Nwaka, Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, narrated the rescue operation. He highlighted that it unfolded in three stages and involved significant personal risk. “I personally led the first rescue operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra State,” Nwaka shared, emphasizing the coordinated efforts and risks taken to ensure the children’s safe return.
