Akwa Ibom Police investigate child abduction by new tenant

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation after a new tenant allegedly absconded with a neighbor’s children in the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. The incident, which gained attention through a viral video, involved a woman entrusting her children to a relatively new co-tenant who disappeared with them before her return.

In response, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare has issued a directive to landlords, property owners, and house agents across the state to exercise increased due diligence. Authorities warned that criminals may use residential rentals to gain the trust of neighbors to facilitate crimes such as child abduction and trafficking.

Landlords are advised to verify prospective tenants by collecting valid identification, functional telephone numbers, previous residential addresses, next-of-kin details, and credible guarantors.