A two-year-old boy who was allegedly kidnapped from Bunyia Irruan community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has been rescued, while two teenagers suspected of involvement in the abduction have been apprehended by youths in the Mbube area of Ogoja Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Suahnen Lorlumun, 17, and Sekeghshie Silas, 17, were reportedly arrested by members of a community vigilante group in Ogberia Ochoro community while allegedly attempting to take the child through the area.
The development was confirmed on Thursday by the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar.
According to Eitokpah, the two suspects were taken to the Okubuchi Police Outpost by the Clan Head of Bunyia Irruan for their safety following concerns that they could be attacked or lynched by angry youths.
“The Cross River State Police Command is aware of an incident involving two young men, namely Suahnen Lorlumun, 17, and Sekeghshie Silas, 17, who were brought to the Okubuchi Police Outpost by the Clan Head of Bunyia Irruan, for their safety following concerns that they could be lynched by youths in the area.”
The police spokesperson said the suspects were subsequently released into the custody of the Clan Head in the company of three officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons from Calabar.
How the Suspects Were Arrested
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said members of the community vigilante group became suspicious after noticing the suspects allegedly attempting to move the child through the community.
“When we noticed that they were trying to take the boy across our community, we had to stop them. We stopped the two of them and arrested them by our community vigilante group,” the eyewitness said.
He alleged that the suspects were taken to the village square, where they were tied to a concrete wall fence and beaten by youths before the arrival of the police.
The police subsequently intervened and took steps to prevent further violence against the suspects.
The child was reportedly kidnapped two days before his rescue from Bunyia Irruan community in Boki Local Government Area.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and the motive of the suspects remain subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.
The police command’s intervention also underscores concerns over mob justice, with authorities expected to ensure that the suspects face due process as investigations continue.
