From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Barely three weeks after a tricycle rider made away with four children of the same parents going to school in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, a female tenant in the same Umuahia has eloped with another four kids entrusted in her care.
It was gathered that one Mrs Ifeanyi Udoma Ibe, a resident of Ubakala Street, had entrusted four children in the care of a new female tenant, including two of hers and two of her neighbour’s children.
The names of the children were given as Joy Udoma (female) three; Ogbonna Udoma (male) six; Chioma Kingsley (female) five, and Miracle Ikechukwu (female) five. It was also gathered that the tenant, who had packed into the house three days to the incident, made away with the four children and they have not been seen.
Confirming the incident, Abia command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, said Mrs Ibe reported the incident to the police on December 17.
“She entrusted four children to the care of a new female tenant, including two of hers and two of her neighbour’s children. Unfortunately, on the same day, the new tenant made away with the four children.
“Police interaction with Mrs Ibe revealed that the tenant had moved in just three days before the incident. Mrs Ibe could not provide details such as the tenant’s name or GSM number. At present, the police have arrested some suspects associated with the unknown tenant and an investigation is in progress to determine the whereabouts of the children.
“The public is strongly advised to report matters of this nature immediately to the police control room as soon as they discover such occurrences before physically reporting the incident at the police station.”
The PPRO advised anyone with useful information regarding the missing children to report to the nearest police station or contact the PPRO. She equally advised parents to avoid entrusting underage children to unfamiliar individuals and maintain a vigilant approach when minors are seen with adult companions.