The Oyo State Police Command has released the names of 17 children rescued during an investigation into an alleged interstate child-stealing and trafficking syndicate.
The command urged parents and guardians who have missing children to visit its headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to check whether any of the rescued children are their relatives.
The police said the development followed an intelligence-led investigation into a suspected criminal network involved in the stealing, trafficking and concealment of children across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states.
Seven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the investigation, while the police also disclosed that six children allegedly died while in captivity.
According to the command, detectives were able to trace some of the children to different locations outside Oyo State as investigations expanded.
Four children were reportedly rescued in Agbor, Delta State, after detectives travelled there on September 2. Two suspects were also arrested during the operation, according to the police.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, said the investigation began with a petition but eventually uncovered a wider network allegedly operating across state boundaries.
The police have now appealed to members of the public, particularly parents whose children have gone missing, to cooperate with the command by visiting the headquarters for identification.
Parents and guardians who suspect that their children may be among those rescued are expected to provide relevant information that can assist the police in establishing the identities and family connections of the children.
The investigation has also revealed disturbing allegations concerning the activities of the suspected syndicate, including the alleged use of some children for criminal purposes. Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the network and determine the roles played by those arrested.
The police command said the rescued children remain a priority as authorities work to reunite them with their families and bring those allegedly responsible for the crimes to justice.
Parents with missing children are therefore encouraged to contact the Oyo State Police Command and make enquiries as the investigation continues.
