NEWS
Abia State Govt. Intensifies Search for Abducted Nsulu Schoolchildren, Describes Incident as Child Trafficking
The Abia State Government has assured residents that every available security resource is being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the two schoolchildren allegedly abducted by an unidentified tricycle operator at Umuosu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Responding to questions on the recent incident of missing children who were offered a free ride by an unidentified tricycle operator at Umuosu Nsulu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd.), described the development as unfortunate and reassured the public that the government is making frantic efforts to rescue the victims.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd.), disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Ubah explained that preliminary findings indicate that the incident bears all the characteristics of child trafficking, adding that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, has already activated measures to track down those responsible and secure the safe return of the children.
He revealed that security operatives have expanded the search beyond Abia State, with the Commissioners of Police in neighboring states already alerted to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance as investigations continue.
According to him, an earlier operation based on intelligence led security personnel to Ngo-Okpala in Imo State, but the information later proved to be false. Despite the setback, he maintained that security agencies remain relentless in pursuing credible leads.
“We know it happened after school on Friday. That even is a cause for concern for we parents. That five pupils were carried by a Keke, and then three of the five pupils were sent to go and buy fuel, then the other two were abducted.
“That is a typical case of child trafficking. The state government is aware, we have set the ball rolling to make sure that we recover them.
“We actually acted on false information and went to somewhere in Ngo-Okpala in Imo State, but it turned out that the information, we got, was wrong. The CP has contacted CPs of the neighboring states,“ Ubah stated.
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives of residents, especially schoolchildren, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any useful information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.