Fear gripped Ogwashi-Uku community in Aniocha South LGA, Delta State, after four children were abducted on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
The children—Ebube, Miracle, Chimanda, and Excel—were allegedly taken by suspected child traffickers posing as neighbours.
Ebube and Miracle are siblings, while Chimanda and Excel belong to a separate family.
The incident occurred at Umuokwe quarters, sparking outrage among residents and families of the missing children.
Three unidentified women reportedly rented an apartment in the area days before the ugly incident.
Sources said the women lured the children with promises of buying biscuits at a nearby shop.
Neighbours became alarmed when the children failed to return or appear within the compound.
They visited the women’s room but found it empty and abandoned.
Neither the suspects nor the children were seen again after the visit.
Residents raised an alarm, prompting a community-wide search and police involvement.
Delta Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident to journalists.
He disclosed that the landlady of the apartment had been arrested for questioning.
“The women moved in and abducted the kids three days later,” Edafe stated.
He added that the landlady collected no personal information from the suspects.
“There was no agreement, no names, no contacts,” he said, expressing concern over her conduct.
Police believe the landlady’s actions were negligent and potentially criminal.
Community members remain fearful and deeply unsettled by the children’s disappearance.
Many criticised the lack of security and verification in renting apartments to strangers.
Efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and rescue the abducted children.
Police have urged residents to report suspicious movements and unknown individuals in their areas.
The community continues to pray and hope for the safe return of the missing children.
