Idara Jerome, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has directed landlords, property owners and house agents to conduct due diligence on prospective tenants, following a reported child abduction incident in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state.
The command said the directive became necessary amid concerns that persons with criminal intentions could obtain accommodation, establish relationships with unsuspecting co-tenants and exploit such access to commit crimes, including child abduction and trafficking.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.
According to the statement, the command is investigating a trending video involving a woman who reportedly entrusted her children to a relatively new co-tenant, who allegedly absconded with them before her return.
“The incident, which reportedly occurred in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is currently receiving the attention of the Police, and investigation has commenced,” the statement said.
It added that the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, locating the children and apprehending anyone found culpable.
The Commissioner of Police consequently directed landlords and property agents to obtain verifiable information from prospective tenants, including valid means of identification, functional telephone numbers, previous residential addresses, next-of-kin details and credible guarantors or referees.
He also urged property owners to maintain proper records of tenants and promptly report suspicious conduct, unexplained movements or activities capable of endangering other occupants and members of the public.
The command warned that landlords, agents or others who knowingly harbour criminals, conceal a suspect’s identity or whereabouts, provide false information to investigators or assist an offender to evade arrest could face investigation and prosecution where sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The Police also cautioned content creators, bloggers and social media users against prematurely publishing sensitive details relating to child abduction, trafficking and other serious crimes without first contacting the Police.
The command said premature disclosure of information about victims, suspects, locations or ongoing police operations could alert offenders, facilitate the relocation of victims, destruction of evidence or flight from law enforcement.
“While social media can assist in creating awareness, the premature release of sensitive information concerning victims, suspects, locations or ongoing Police operations can equally alert offenders,” the statement said.
The CP further urged parents and guardians to exercise caution when entrusting their children to newly acquainted neighbours, domestic workers and casual acquaintances whose identities and backgrounds have not been sufficiently verified.
The command appealed to anyone with credible information on the whereabouts of the missing children or persons connected to the incident to report immediately to the nearest police station or the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
CP Azare assured residents that the command would continue to deploy available lawful resources to combat child abduction and trafficking, rescue victims and bring perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.
