11 Years Old Kidnapped In 2011 Reunites With Mother

Eleven years old Destiny was kidnapped in January 2011 at Okpekpe in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State by a herbalist, Emmanuel Akpan-Okon.

November 26th, 2015, Akpan-Okon also abducted one Esther Wisdom (11) from Onitsha in Anambra State and turned the kids into s*x slaves. The kids were rescued on November 16, 2015, in Akamkpa, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

While handing over one of the rescued victims (Destiny) to her mother, Mrs Felicia Pius, at the command headquarters in Calabar, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Eluu, said both victims were rescued in the house of Akpan-Okon.

He said, “On November 16, 2015, a team of detectives attached to the Akamkpa Police Division, acting on a tip-off, arrested a herbalist, one Emmanuel Akpan-Okon, who specialised in removing bullets from firearms victims.

“Investigation revealed that the herbalist is also known for preparing charms for armed robbers and other miscreants in the area.

“His house and premises were searched and two juveniles, Felicia Destiny (11) and Esther Augustine (11), both females, were rescued. Both victims were abducted five years ago from their homes and parents.”

He said the suspect had confessed to the crime, adding that he had fed the police with details on how the parents of the girls could be contacted.

“Investigation is still ongoing. The suspect will be arraigned as soon as investigation is completed. We will ensure that the suspect faces the wrath of the law,” Eluu said.

The PPRO said that the police would also ensure that Augustine was re-united with her family. He appealed to members of the public with relevant information on the whereabouts of the parents of Esther to provide it. He also advised parents to be cautious about the movement of their children, saying juveniles could easily be lured by hoodlums if not properly monitored.

Mother of Destiny, Felicia, who received her daughter with tears of joy, commended the police for rescuing her daughter from the hands of her captor five years after.

“I never believed I will see my daughter again. I almost died when she was kidnapped in 2011. I am very happy to see her again. I thank the Cross River Police Command for rescuing my daughter from the hands of her captor,” she said.