In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves through Akwa Ibom State, the police apprehended Christiana Ibanga and her boyfriend, Inyene Akpan, for allegedly trafficking their own child, selling the baby for ₦450,000. This arrest was made public during a parade of suspects at the command headquarters in Uyo on January 29, 2025. The arrest followed a tip-off from a woman who reported that Ibanga had lured her six-year-old daughter to an unknown destination. Upon investigation, it was revealed that Ibanga and Akpan had sold their child in May 2024 with the assistance of an accomplice named Saviour Aniedi. Further admissions indicated that they conspired with Aniedi and his wife to abduct the complainant’s child, who was subsequently sold in Aba, Abia State, to an unidentified buyer. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has since initiated a manhunt in Aba to locate the buyer and rescue the stolen child.
This case is not isolated. In November 2021, operatives of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom arrested a man named Elisha Effiong for allegedly conspiring with his wife to sell their two daughters, aged six and four, for ₦700,000. Effiong, who resided in Cameroon with his wife, was apprehended in Uyo while attempting to finalize the sale. He confessed that financial hardship drove him to consider such a heinous act.
Similarly, in June 2023, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested one Gabriel Ekpri, a native of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in the Itu local government area, for allegedly selling his nine-year-old son for ₦400,000 to an unknown buyer. Ekpri blamed the devil and economic challenges for his actions.
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend of child trafficking within Akwa Ibom State. Economic hardship is frequently cited as a motivating factor, leading individuals to commit acts that are both illegal and morally reprehensible. The sale of children not only violates Nigerian laws but also contravenes international human rights standards.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, along with other security agencies, has been proactive in apprehending individuals involved in child trafficking. Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating this menace. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
Child trafficking remains a significant challenge in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large. While economic difficulties are often cited as underlying causes, the exploitation and sale of children can never be justified. It is imperative for law enforcement agencies, community members, and social media platforms to collaborate effectively to combat this menace. Through increased awareness, stringent enforcement of laws, and community engagement, we can work towards eradicating child trafficking and ensuring a safer environment for our children.
