By Bola Ajibola
Akure, In a shocking revelation, members of a child trafficking syndicate apprehended by the Ondo State Police Command have confessed to selling children abducted from Akure, Ondo State, and Ilesa, Osun State, for ₦500,000 each. This illicit operation was uncovered following a series of arrests and investigations.
The suspects, identified as Lukman Isiaka (43), Abosede Olanipekun (23), and Mrs. Sabira Izuorah (68), were detained while in possession of 14 children ranging from a few weeks to several years old. The children were allegedly stolen and then delivered to Izuorah, who claimed to run an orphanage named Clarion Children’s Care and Reforms Initiatives in Ihiala, Anambra State.
During interrogation, Izuorah, a former director at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State, admitted receiving children from Lukman and his wife. She stated, “I have a registered orphanage. I took care of the children, but the adoptive parents are the ones who pay Lukman and his wife.”
Lukman, who described himself as a bricklayer, confessed to being involved in the child trafficking business since 2023, following his introduction to the trade by Izuorah. He revealed, “I have given a total of 11 children to Izuorah. We entice children with promises of soft drinks and biscuits, then transport them to Anambra State where Izuorah pays us ₦500,000 per child.”
The police operation that led to the arrest of the suspects began with a report of a missing child in Akure. The complainant described how Abosede lured her child away under false pretenses. This incident, along with intelligence-led policing, enabled the police to trace and apprehend Lukman and Abosede in Edo State. Their subsequent cooperation led to the arrest of Izuorah in Anambra State.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, detailed the operation’s success, stating, “The suspects admitted to abducting children from Ondo and Osun States and selling them to Izuorah for ₦1,000,000 each.”
Recovered children include Baby Favour (3 weeks old), Baby Chidera (2 weeks old), Baby Chinyere (2 months old), and Baby Uzoma (1 week old). Additionally, ten children previously sold by Izuorah were rescued, and their parents have identified them. These include Dauda Alarape (3½ years), Babalola David (4 years), Asaolu Pamilerin (7 years), Ayomide Abass (2 years), and others from various locations in Osun State.
The police are continuing efforts to rescue other missing children and bring all involved to justice. The case highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance and protective measures to safeguard children from trafficking networks.
