Hundreds of youths and women from South Ibie community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have staged a protest over the alleged escape of a suspected kidnapper and human trafficker from police custody.
The protesters, carrying green leaves, stormed the South Ibie Divisional Police headquarters on Saturday to express their outrage over what they described as a deliberate release of the suspect, allegedly facilitated by officers at the division.
According to community members, the suspect, identified only as Mrs. Anita from southeastern Nigeria, was arrested by the Edo State Security Corps for allegedly abducting four male teenagers with promises of teaching them internet fraud, commonly known as "Yahoo Yahoo," in Lagos State.
One protester explained: "We are protesting because of the kidnapping of our children by a lady who claimed she wanted to take them to Lagos to teach them Yahoo Yahoo. We later discovered she actually intended to sell the four boys in Lagos."
The community alleged that after the Security Corps handed the suspect to the police for investigation and prosecution, she refused to provide a statement and demanded transfer to Auchi Area Command. Days later, residents were shocked to learn of her release.
"She has been boasting that she has connections and can never be arrested or detained," the protester added.
In response to the community's concerns, CSP Anthony, the Divisional Police Officer, addressed the protesters and assured them that the suspect would be rearrested. He confirmed that officers on duty during the incident have been reported to the State Command authorities.
The protesters also visited the palace of the traditional ruler, Aidonogie of South Ibie, Aliyu Kelvin Danesi, seeking his intervention. The monarch expressed disappointment over the incident and revealed he had already contacted the Commissioner of Police about the matter.
"The issue of trafficking and kidnapping of humans is not a minor offense. It is a felony, and Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration is not taking it lightly," the traditional ruler stated. "When someone is caught for kidnapping and human trafficking, not only will the person be prosecuted and sentenced appropriately, but all their properties will also be seized by the government."
One of the victims, Ahmed Ismail, recounted how the suspect took the four teenagers to her house, made them take baths, and performed rituals by circling a clay pot around their heads multiple times. He added that she had scheduled a night meeting with them before her arrest.
The traditional ruler commended the Edo State Security Corps for their efforts in fighting insecurity in the kingdom, aligning with the state government's security agenda.
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