A suspected kidnapper and ritualist who escaped from police custody in Auchi has been apprehended in Benin City by PZ community youths and handed back to authorities.
The suspect, whose earlier escape sparked protests in South Ibie, Auchi, is alleged to have lured underage children with money and false promises of taking them to Lagos to learn cyber fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
During the investigation, one of the rescued children revealed that the woman had taken them to her house, where she allegedly brought out a native pot and performed incantations on their heads.
Another parent alleged that she was attempting to kidnap the children for sale in Lagos, adding to community fears that the case was not just about abduction, but also ritual practices.
Protest and Outrage in Auchi
Residents of South Ibie had earlier staged protests following her escape from custody, accusing the police of negligence. Parents in the community expressed anger and fear, demanding accountability and swift justice.
Video of the South Ibie, Auchi community protest during her escape from police custody
Moment PZ youths interrogated the escaped kidnapper before handing her over to the police
During the interrogation by the youths who apprehended her, the suspect pleaded that she is not a kidnapper. According to her, she only had a business transaction with the child’s father, who allegedly sent the boy to her house. see video :
Community Policing in Action
Her eventual rearrest in Benin highlights the importance of community policing in tackling insecurity. Youths in the PZ community acted promptly when they identified her, ensuring she was captured before she could disappear again.
A youth leader told EdoToday.com:
“This is why community vigilance is important. We saw her and knew the danger she posed. Handing her over to the police was the right thing to do for the safety of our children.”
Call for Accountability
Civil society groups and residents are urging the authorities to take stronger measures to prevent escapes from police custody. They also stressed that suspects involved in child abduction and ritual allegations must be prosecuted transparently to restore public trust.
What’s Next?
Police sources confirmed that the suspect has been returned to custody, with investigations ongoing into her alleged links to child abductions, ritual practices, and possible human trafficking.
For now, residents of Auchi and Benin City are calling for tighter collaboration between communities and security agencies to protect vulnerable children and curb the rising threat of kidnapping.
