Abia State ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation has reacted to the incidents of recent child thefts in two different parts of the State, and advised parents to be more vigilant of their kids’ whereabouts.
DAILY POST reports that eight children belonging to different parents were stolen in Umuahia by unknown persons, within three weeks.
In a press release made available by Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix, the Abia State Abia commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, the ministry said its ‘attention has been drawn to the increased rate of child theft, experienced in our localities, recently.’
The ministry advised parents and guardians to be more careful in the management of their children, particularly while leaving them in the care of others.
“Members of the public are advised to be vigilant to report any suspect or query anyone seen to be in the company or custody of many children at odd times, to the Police or to an already established complaint desk in the ministry”, the commissioner said, while urging the public to contact the following numbers- 08130737970, 07031301431 and 0818390314.
Meanwhile, Abia State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Mr Paul Igwebuike has assured Abia residents of their safety during the yuletide, saying that increased motorized patrols have been deployed across the State.
The Commandant, who stated this after a crucial quarterly management meeting of the Corps in Umuahia, said that the NSCDC, Abia State Command has analyzed available intelligence towards securing lives and property.
“I have directed an immediate deployment of personnel to strategic locations across the State, with special consideration for recreation/event centres, motor parks, markets, malls, and other flashpoints”, Igwebuike said.
