Police clarifies report on rescue of human trafficking victims

The Rivers State Police Command has clarified a ‘misleading report’ circulating on social media regarding a recent rescue operation.

Rivers police spokesman SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the statement was to set the record straight on the rescue of 16 children from a compound in Ozuoba, in Obio-Akpor council of the state.

“On September 8, 2024, operatives from the Ozuoba division acted on credible information and rescued the children, comprising 11 girls and 5 boys,” she said.

“Initial reports suggested the children were victims of human trafficking, but further investigation revealed that their guardians, Ekaette Williams and Emilia Ebitari, were arrested by the Akwa-Ibom State Command the previous day for an unrelated crime.

“A concerned neighbor alerted the police to the unattended children, who were subsequently handed over to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare.”

However, the Police decried what they described as “a misleading” viral video began circulating, claiming that over 200 children were rescued and that it was a confirmed case of human trafficking.

Iringe-Koko, however, warned against spreading false information, emphasising that sensationalism can be detrimental.

She said: “We call on influencers and social media users to verify news reports from the police before spreading them.

“Placing sensationalism over proven and confirmed reporting is a dangerous practice that everyone needs to be mindful of.”

The Command reassured the public that their lines are open to inquiries and encourages individuals to report any suspicious activity.

She said the police remains committed to reducing crime and criminality in the state.

She urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid spreading misinformation.