Gladness Gideon
A man suspected of being part of a child kidnapping syndicate confessed at the weekend to abducting “countless” children for ritual purposes in Kwara State, sparking public outrage and a renewed call for vigilance.
The suspect, believed to be in his early 20s, was apprehended by residents in Ilorin after allegedly attempting to lure a child away.
Eyewitnesses say the young man was being beaten by an angry mob when a patrol team of police officers and local vigilantes arrived at the scene and intervened.
A video recorded during the confrontation, now widely circulated on social media, shows the visibly injured suspect admitting to multiple abductions.
Speaking in Pidgin English, he revealed that his group had carried out numerous child kidnappings, operating primarily in Ilorin but extending their reach across several states.
“I don’t know the number again… We’ve done it many times. Our oga dey Dagbolu for Osogbo side. Na him dey send us money. E don give me N10 million before,” he stated.
He further claimed that abducted children were often swiftly moved out of Kwara State to avoid detection, naming other alleged accomplices in the process.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the suspect is in custody and undergoing intensive interrogation.
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“He was apprehended during a routine patrol conducted by a joint team of police officers and vigilante members. He was rescued from mob action and immediately taken in for questioning,” the statement read.
SP Ejire-Adeyemi emphasized that while the allegations are serious, it is essential for the public to avoid mob justice.
“Jungle justice obstructs investigations and the rule of law. We urge residents to report all suspicious activities promptly rather than resorting to violence,” she said.
She added that although the suspect mentioned a broader criminal network with ties to Osun State, these claims are still under investigation. As of now, no official complaint from a victim’s family has been submitted.
“The Command is actively pursuing leads to verify the suspect’s statements and uncover the full extent of the alleged operations. We will provide further updates as the case develops,” SP Ejire-Adeyemi assured.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues.