“Six Children Died in Their Hands”: 17 Children Rescued

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.

Six children allegedly abducted by the syndicate have died in captivity, while the investigation has uncovered links to ritual activities.

A Mother’s Nightmare, A Police Breakthrough

The disappearance of a three-year-old child during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026 triggered an investigation that would unravel one of the most disturbing child trafficking networks in recent memory.

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered a child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.

But the rescue came at a terrible cost: six children allegedly abducted by the syndicate have died in captivity.

How the Syndicate Operated

The breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of Ifakunle Ifagbenro, a three-year-old child, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, police detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 following extensive investigations.

Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.

Her disclosures led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody.

Information obtained during the investigation led detectives to the whereabouts of Ifakunle, who was rescued from the Gbagi area of Ibadan on August 20.

The Network Extends Beyond Oyo

The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.

On September 2, detectives extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them.

Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse were arrested in connection with the operation.

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The Darkest Revelation

The investigation also uncovered allegations that deceased victims were transferred to persons suspected of involvement in ritual activities.

The development led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the allegations.

The Police Command also confirmed it had received information about six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

A Message from the IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that efforts be intensified to dismantle the alleged network, locate more missing children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

A Lesson for Nigeria

This story exposes the darkest corners of human depravity: a network that stole children, sold them like commodities, and allegedly transferred some to ritualists.

It is a reminder that the most vulnerable among us are often the most at risk. The same people who traffic children will never allow their own children to be victims. Their families are protected.

For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: child trafficking is not a distant problem, it is happening in our communities, at our churches, at our festivals.

The police breakthrough is commendable, but it should not be a reason for complacency.

The fight against child trafficking must be relentless, and the punishment for those who traffic children must be severe enough to deter others.

Protect the vulnerable. Report suspicious activities. And never forget that every child deserves a safe childhood.