15-Year-Old Kidnapped in Anambra Escapes, Found in Kogi
By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 19, 2024
A 15-year-old boy, Chibuike Damian Onyebuchi, who was allegedly kidnapped in Onitsha, Anambra State, has been found in Kogi State after managing to escape from his captors.
Chibuike, a native of Ihiala Local Government Area, recounted his ordeal, explaining that he was abducted by unknown individuals and taken to an undisclosed location. Following his daring escape, he wandered into Kogi State, where compassionate locals rescued him and took him to the nearest police station.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that efforts are underway to reunite the boy with his family.
Ikenga urged residents of Onitsha and the Ihiala area to provide any information that could assist the police in uncovering details of the abduction and apprehending the culprits.
In an official statement, Ikenga said:
“The police command calls on the general public, particularly residents of Onitsha and Ihiala environs, to assist with the identification of one Chibuike Damian Onyebuchi (m), aged 15 years. The said boy, who hails from Ihiala LGA, Anambra State, was abducted in Onitsha but was found recently in Kogi State. He is currently in the safe custody of the Kogi State Police Command.”
The police disclosed that during Chibuike’s interaction with officers, he narrated that he was forcibly taken by unidentified persons and held in an unknown location before escaping.
“To this end, the command seeks the assistance of the public, especially members of the fourth estate of the realm, to disseminate this information widely, along with the attached picture, for possible identification and reunification with his family,” Ikenga concluded.
The case has sparked concern in the region, with community leaders calling for increased vigilance and collaboration between security agencies and the public to prevent similar occurrences.
Chibuike remains under police protection in Kogi State while investigations continue.
