The Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued four children from the hands of a notorious trafficking syndicate operating within the Rumukwachi Community, situated near Port Harcourt.
This development was made public through an official statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt on Monday, shedding light on the swift and commendable action taken by the police to foil the illicit activities of the syndicate.
According to Iringe-Koko, the Command’s officers dismantled the syndicate, which had been deeply involved in child trafficking, and apprehended a prime suspect, identified as Esther Anthony, who is believed to have played a significant role as an accomplice in the operation.
The rescued children, whose ages range from one to 13 years, were found lodged at a guest house where they were being prepared for trafficking. However, the timely intervention of the police ensured their safety and prevented them from falling victim to the syndicate’s plans.
The statement further disclosed, “The children, aged one to thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who operates a maternity home in the area.”
It was also noted that the managing director of the guest house became suspicious of the activities of Esther Anthony, particularly when she attempted to check out with the children. Acting on her suspicions, the guest house manager refused to permit the checkout without the presence of the children’s mother, which eventually led to police intervention.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had collaborated with an individual named Favour to facilitate the trafficking of these children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State,” the statement added.
All suspects associated with this case, including those directly or indirectly involved, have been apprehended by the authorities and will face prosecution in court to ensure justice is served.
