BY AGNES NWORIE, ABAKALIKI
Two newborn baby girls have been rescued from traffickers in Ebonyi State by operatives of the Ebubeagu Security Network in Abaomege community of the state.
The newborn babies were reportedly being transported by suspected traffickers in a sack from Cross River to Lagos State.
However, they were said to have been rescued by personnel of Ebubeagu at a check point.
Confirming the report, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Odah Loveth, explained that when they (Ebubeagu members) were about telling the traffickers to continue their journey after searching the car boot, one of the babies cried out from the sacks beside their legs, thereby necessitating further search.
The PPRO lauded the initiatives of the men of the Ebubeagu Security Network and other local vigilante groups for their synergy with the police.
She said, “Earlier this morning November 22, 2021, the Ebubeagu Security Network, in a combined effort with the community vigilante, nabbed two suspected child traffickers at the Abaomege axis of Onicha Local Government Area.
“The suspects, (one Achibong from Akwa Ibom and Blessing Akpan from Cross Rivers State), who had succeeded in beating security checkpoints while journeying from Cross Rivers State, ran out of luck when they got to Abaomege, a community in Onicha LGA.
“The security men who were on stop and search at the border between Ebonyi and Cross River stated, upon checking their vehicle, were shocked to discover that about a week old baby, wrapped in baby’s cloth, was in one of the suspect’s sack, while another baby of about two weeks was seen in another sack belonging to the second suspect who happens to be a pregnant woman.
“These two babies made it 28 children that the Police in Ebonyi State rescued this year from traffickers. All of them are reunited with their families except these newborn baby girls. The new baby girls are currently at the Intensive Care Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki because their skin colours are already changing.
“When we are done with adequate medical attentions for them, we shall hand them over to the state Ministry of Women Affairs until we find their biological parents.
“The pregnant 18-year-old girl said she was forced to follow the other lady as there was a bargain already for her unborn baby by the syndicates in Lagos. As the Yelutide is fast approaching, the CP has pledged to ensure a crime free environment in the state.
“He called on all to make available prompt and accurate information to the police to ensure efficiency in their duties.”
