The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has called on members of the public to make the safety of children a collective responsibility by remaining vigilant, promptly reporting missing children and suspicious activities, cooperating with the police and providing useful information that can help prevent child trafficking and abduction.
Ojajuni made the call as detectives attached to the Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command rescued three children allegedly linked to a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate and arrested three suspected members of the gang.
The suspects were identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.
The Commissioner urged parents, guardians, neighbours, community leaders, schools, transport operators and other members of the public to take reports of missing children seriously and immediately alert the police whenever they notice unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements or unusual custody arrangements involving children.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies and volunteer credible information that could assist investigators in identifying and dismantling criminal networks preying on vulnerable children.
The call followed an intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing in Ibafo, which led to the arrest of Jimoh.
According to the police, during the investigation, Jimoh allegedly confessed and led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where three children were rescued.
The children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
Preliminary findings indicated that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.
The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji are also under investigation.
The police said the three children were rescued safely through the swift intervention of the detectives and are now safe, while the suspects remain in custody.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case, determine the individual roles of the suspects and identify other persons who may be connected with the alleged criminal enterprise.
Ojajuni commended the Ibafo detectives for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.
He reassured residents that the command would remain proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society.
The Commissioner reiterated that protecting children requires collective vigilance and responsibility, urging the public not to wait until a child disappears before taking action.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the command stated, urging residents to “See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe.”
Members of the public can contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or emergency numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.
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