The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command has raised the alarm over the surge in child trafficking in the state.
The Osun NSCDC also appealed to parents to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children particularly now that schools are on holiday and children are more likely to be in public places without supervision.
The Commandant, Michael Adaralewa who expressed concern over the reports of child kidnappings received in the month of August in a statement by the spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde, said the Command is currently investigating three cases of child kidnapping.
He also disclosed that some suspects have been apprehended so far in connection with the crime.
The statement said, “On August 2, 2024, it was reported at the Command’s Headquarters, along Iwo-Ibadan Road, Osun State, that a male child aged one year and three months was kidnapped at Osunjela, along Ilesa Garage.
“Discreet investigation revealed that one lady known as Tawa was introduced to the mother of the baby by a family friend known as Sodiq, who said Tawa wanted to learn bag making from the woman.
“The very first day the suspect, Tawa, came to work, she carried the baby pretending to be playing with him. She thereafter went out with the baby’s elder sister of ten years old, who was sent on an errand alongside the younger brother. While on their way, Tawa asked the baby’s elder sister to go and deliver potatoes to the mother. However, Tawa took away with the one year and three months old baby.
“Also, on the same day, there was a report that a three year old child went missing at Ifesowapo Street, Owode, Osogbo, Osun State. Investigation revealed that the child was last seen playing in a shop and his whereabout has not been known till now.”
The statement added, “Another five-months-old female child belonging to deaf and dumb parents in Agbeye town, Odo-Otin local government of Osun state, was kidnapped on Tuesday, 27th August, 2024 in a farm, where her mother was gathering firewood.
“The child was laid under a shade of trees so that the mother could quickly finish packing the firewood. By the time the mother went back to breastfeed the baby, she was no where to be found.”
The Osun NSCDC boss assured members of the public that the Command is working tirelessly with other sister agencies in the state to apprehend the perpetrators.
He advised artisans and employers of labour to do proper profiling of those they are employing to work for them.
Adaralewa also enjoined parents to keep close tab on their children, stressing the need for all responsible parents to prioritise the safety of their children especially during this holiday period.
“Children are special gifts from God and the future of the country,” he stressed.