The Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has confirmed the rescue of five boys aged between three and 11 from different parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 22, the spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, said police operatives played a key role in taking the children off the streets. He added that the boys have been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further investigation and efforts to trace their families.
“Operatives of the command rescued the five male children at various locations across the state. They have been handed over to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for further investigations and to reunite them with their families,” Ukandu stated.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwankpuma, said the children were found wandering at different times before police intervention.
“These vulnerable children were found by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, on different dates and at various locations. They were handed over to the ministry to enable us trace their families and facilitate reunion,” she said.
Represented by the Head of the Child Development Department, Emmanuel Nkwuda, the commissioner stressed that children must be protected and properly cared for. She advised parents to have only the number of children they can adequately support and to remain vigilant about their safety.
The government urged parents or guardians searching for missing children to visit the ministry for identification and possible reunification.
Nwankpuma warned that if the parents are not located within a reasonable timeframe, the ministry may consider adoption or foster placement to ensure the children receive proper care, education, and a stable home environment.
She noted that the ministry’s facility is not designed to serve as a long-term school or skills acquisition centre, adding that extended stays without structured engagement could affect the children’s development.
“Some of them have been here for as long as four years, others for two years, one year, and the youngest for just two months. We believe it is important to inform the public that children of these ages are in our care. Parents of missing children should come forward with proof for identification and possible reunion,” she said.