The Oyo State Police Command on Monday, September 7, said it had uncovered an alleged interstate child trafficking network, rescuing 17 children and arresting several suspects linked to the abduction, movement and sale of children.
Police Commissioner Abimbola Olugbenga said the investigation began after a petition and was expanded following the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during an Egungun festival in Oyo town on June 29. Investigators reportedly obtained video footage from the event which allegedly showed suspect Adejoke Popoola carrying the child.
Popoola was arrested on August 4 and allegedly confessed to involvement in child theft and trafficking. Her alleged disclosures led detectives to other suspects, including Adekanbi Janet, who was traced to Mowe, Ogun State. Police said four children and two pregnant women were rescued from the location.
The investigation later extended to Delta State, where four more children allegedly taken from Oyo were rescued in Agbor on September 2, while additional suspects were arrested. Police said 17 children have so far been rescued, while six children reportedly died while in the custody of suspects. The command said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the alleged network and reunite rescued children with their families.
Parents and guardians whose children have gone missing have been urged to visit the Oyo Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to help identify the rescued children.
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