The three children from the same parents, Gideon, Divine and Israel who were abducted in Ama Ime, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State on May 10, 2024, have been received by Governor Alex Otti.
They were rescued in Anambra and Delta states by security agencies coordinated by the Abia State government.
Receiving the children with their parents and other well wishers at his residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, the Governor thanked God and all that ensured their release, while warning about being careless with children’s whereabouts henceforth.
Otti charged security operatives who took part in the rescue operations to ensure that everyone involved in the abduction was prosecuted and brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
The governor pledged that the government would support the rescued children.
Otti, who explained his regular visits to heads and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, said they were to sustain tight security architecture around Abia and boost economic activities.
He said it was the criminals, not him (Otti) that would run away from Abia.
“I have told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain themselves and us; one person must run away.
“Unfortunately, I’m not the one that would run, because I have the mandate of the people and I have the mandate of God.
“So, it’s the evil ones that would run away, even to start running before somebody starts pursuing them and that is what we are seeing,” he said.
Narrating how the children were rescued, the Chairman of Ikwuano LGA , Osinachi Nwaka, said the rescue unfolded in three stages, pointing out that he personally took the risk of leading the first rescue operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra State.