TWO alleged kidnappers have confessed to kidnapping and selling children after being nabbed by operatives of a special squad Aguiyi in Anambra State.
The suspected kidnappers, identified as Chukwuma Okonkwo and Ifeanyi Okafor (aka Arab), both from Abagana in Anambra State, said they get paid commission from the sale of the children and they use the money to lodge in hotels and live large, causing people to think they are into Internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo).
One of their victims, a child who looks less than five years old, identified himself as Chinemerem. He said he was in his parent’s shop when the men kidnapped him. He added that the men were about to sell him before men with guns (the special squad) caught them.
An official of the special squad asked the child what he wanted done to the criminals, and the child responded, “Flog them.”
Confessing to the crimes on video, Chukwuma said: “We steal children and sell. There are three of us.
“One of our gang members is Chikwado from Ogidi, with Arab, and I (both from Abagana).”
Speaking on how they operate, Chukwuma said: “We kidnap a child, and they give us a commission after selling the child.
“We also steal machines (motorcycles) and sell them.”
He continued: “People think we are into Yahoo but we are not. But there is no other crime we don’t commit.
“My main job is kidnapping children. I also steal in addition to it. Our gang leader is Chikwado from Ogidi. Chikwado’s wife is also involved. She’s from Awkuzu.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media