A chilling trend has emerged in Iwaya, a bustling area in Yaba Local Government, Lagos, where kidnappers are luring unsuspecting children with yoghurt.
This disturbing pattern has left the community on edge, with at least five children reportedly abducted using this sinister tactic.
How It Happens
The kidnappers target children, often in the company of older siblings. Disguising themselves, a woman—frequently dressed in a hijab to blend into the community—approaches the children.
Offering a crumpled ₦500 note, she sends the older child to buy yoghurt while she vanishes with the younger one.
One such heartbreaking incident occurred on Friday, January 11, 2025. Ubueda and Mohammed Naziru, aged eight and three, were returning from Jumat prayers when they fell victim.
The woman handed Ubueda money to buy yoghurt, but by the time she returned, her younger brother was gone.
Days later, on January 13, the suspect resurfaced in the community and was identified by Naziru’s sister. Attempting to flee, she was caught by a mob but was saved from lynching by the police.
Despite being in custody, the woman refused to disclose Naziru’s whereabouts. At the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), she pretended to be mentally ill, further complicating the investigation.
Father’s Plea for His Son
The distraught father, Alhaji Idris Adamu, expressed his heartbreak:
“I pray every day for the safety of my son.
When the woman was caught, we found papers in her purse detailing an address where the boy was kept and instructions to use an injection to make him sleep. All I want is my son back.”
Adamu also noted suspicious behavior, such as the woman loosening her braided hair to appear disheveled. He urged the authorities to act swiftly and uncover the truth to rescue his son before any harm befalls him.
Ongoing Investigation
The SCID detectives are investigating the woman’s claims of mental illness by consulting psychiatric experts. Additionally, a man who initially claimed to be her father during the mob’s attack was detained for questioning but later released.
As the community awaits answers, this incident serves as a stark reminder for parents and guardians to be vigilant.
Authorities must intensify efforts to tackle this menace and ensure the safety of children in Lagos and beyond.
What are your thoughts on this rising menace? Share your opinions and solutions in the comments section below. Don’t forget to follow NIGPOST for updates on this developing story.
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