Oyo Police Bust Child-Stealing Network, Rescue 17 Children as Six Allegedly Die in Captivity
The Oyo State Police Command says it has uncovered an interstate network allegedly involved in the stealing, trafficking and sale of children, with 17 children rescued and seven suspects arrested across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states.
Police said the investigation began after a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, disappeared during a masquerade festival in Oyo town in June. Investigators later traced the case to a wider network allegedly targeting children at churches, parties and other public gatherings.
According to the command, one suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the disappearance of more than 15 children aged between two and seven. Police subsequently rescued four children from a location in Mowe, Ogun State, while another four children allegedly taken from Oyo were found in Agbor, Delta State.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that six children died while in the custody of people linked to the suspected network. Police said the remains were allegedly sold to suspected ritualists, leading to further arrests.
The children reportedly identified as having died were aged between two and seven years.
The police said efforts were continuing to identify other missing children, establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and dismantle the suspected network.
The command urged parents and guardians whose children have gone missing to visit its headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to help identify the rescued children and support family reunification.
Police also advised families to exercise caution around people claiming to be traditional or spiritual healers, particularly those who attempt to separate children from their families or take them to undisclosed locations.
