In the Rumukwachi Community near Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Police Command successfully rescued four children from a child trafficking syndicate. The suspects involved, including Esther Anthony and an accomplice, were apprehended. The children, aged between one and 13 years, were found at a guest house and were allegedly trafficked from Bayelsa State.
The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that the children were intended to be traded and were lodged at the Alaeze Guest House. Suspicion arose when the guest house manager refused to let Esther Anthony leave with the children without the presence of their mother. Upon falsely claiming abduction and threats, Esther Anthony was arrested with the help of the Choba Area Command.
Further investigations unveiled that Esther Anthony and another individual named Favour conspired to traffic the children from the Swali community in Bayelsa State. Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also taken into custody. This isn’t the first time Esther Anthony has been involved in such crimes, as she was recognized by a family who claimed she previously stole and sold their children.
All suspects have admitted to their involvement, and the case has been handed over to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department in Port Harcourt. The suspects remain in police custody and will face charges once the investigation concludes. The police emphasized their commitment to combating child trafficking and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
The children have been safely reunited with their families, marking a positive outcome in this distressing situation.