The Rivers State Police Command has stated that a recent report contained in a viral video indicating that 200 missing children were found in Ozuoba Community, Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State is false and misleading.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko made the disclosure in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, clarifying that the legal guardians of the children seen on the video, Ekaette Williams and Emilia Ebitari were arrested by men of the Akwa-Ibom State Command the previous day for a crime they had committed, leaving the children unattended, prompting a concerned neighbour to alert the Police to the situation.
SP Iringe-Koko explained that the Police promptly handed the children to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and reached out to the Akwa-Ibom Police Command who confirmed the arrest, adding that the two guardians have since been charged to court.
She said: “On September 8, 2024, Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command attached to the Ozuoba division acted on credible information received and rescued sixteen (16) children from a compound in Ozuoba, Port Harcourt. The rescued children comprising eleven (11) girls, and five (5) boys were alleged to be victims of trafficking.
“Upon investigation, it was revealed that the legal guardians of the children, Ekaette Williams and Emilia Ebitari were arrested by men of the Akwa-Ibom State Command on the previous day for a crime they had committed, leaving the children unattended and a concerned neighbour alerted the Police to the situation.
“The Police promptly handed the children to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and reached out to the Akwa-Ibom Police Command which confirmed the arrest. The two guardians have since been charged to court.”
The Police spokesperson in the state, however cautioned those circulating the fake news to desist from such unethical behaviour as such acts poses numerous negative impacts on members of the public.
She advised social media influencers to always verify news reports before publishing them to avoid spreading falsehood.
“The Police cautions all those circulating this information, spreading falsehood and causing tension in the hearts of many. Social media users and influencers that have carried this information on any of their channels are hereby asked to be wary of the negative effects of such deception.
“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. Our lines are always open to inquiries, and we are happy to share verified information with you.”
