A major breakthrough in Oyo State has exposed a suspected child trafficking network allegedly responsible for the abduction of dozens of children across multiple states, with police confirming that six victims died while in captivity.
The Oyo State Police Command disclosed the development during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga revealed that 17 children had been rescued and seven suspects arrested following weeks of intelligence-led investigations.
According to the commissioner, the operation began after authorities received a petition concerning missing children. Investigations gained momentum following the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town.
Police investigations led to the arrest of a female suspect identified as Adejoke Popoola, popularly known as “Orente Alagbo.” During interrogation, she allegedly confessed to participating in the theft of more than 15 children between the ages of two and seven years. The victims were reportedly abducted from churches, social gatherings, parties and other public events.
Further investigations uncovered an extensive network allegedly involving another suspect, Janet Adekanbi, also known as Hosanna, who was tracked to Mowe in Ogun State. Security operatives subsequently rescued four children and two pregnant young women from the location.
The investigation later expanded to Ibadan and Agbor in Delta State, leading to the recovery of additional children and the arrest of more suspects linked to the syndicate.
More disturbing revelations emerged during the investigation as police uncovered what they described as a ritual dimension to the criminal operation. According to the command, some children who died while in captivity were allegedly sold to ritualists.
The deceased children were identified as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen (2), Greatness Adeagbo (5), Sainat Amoo (2), Taiwo Usman (2), Daniel Solomon Olayinka (7) and Miracle Olaniyi (4).
The police commissioner described the discovery as heartbreaking and reassured residents that efforts were ongoing to dismantle the entire network. He appealed to parents searching for missing children to visit the Command Headquarters for possible identification and reunification with the rescued victims.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to security agencies.
