Akwa Ibom Drama: New Tenant Allegedly Disappears With Neighbour’s Children

Police Begin Investigation in Etim Ekpo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched an investigation after a woman’s children were allegedly taken by a relatively new co-tenant in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

The incident came to public attention through a video circulating online, in which the woman was reportedly said to have entrusted her children to the co-tenant before leaving. The co-tenant allegedly absconded with the children before she returned.

Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, locate the children and apprehend anyone found culpable.

Police Urge Landlords to Verify Prospective Tenants

Following the incident, Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare directed landlords, property owners and house agents across Akwa Ibom State to exercise greater caution and conduct reasonable checks on prospective tenants before handing over residential accommodation.

According to the statement, the directive followed concerns that people with criminal intentions could secure accommodation, gain the confidence of unsuspecting co-tenants and exploit those relationships to commit crimes, including the abduction and trafficking of children.

The command advised landlords and agents to request verifiable information from prospective tenants, including valid identification, functional telephone numbers, previous residential addresses, next-of-kin details and credible guarantors or referees.

Landlords were also urged to keep proper tenant records and report suspicious conduct, unexplained movements or activities that could threaten the safety of other residents and members of the public.

Police Warn Against Helping Suspects Evade Arrest

The command warned that anyone who knowingly harbours criminals, conceals a suspect’s identity or whereabouts, deliberately gives investigators false information or otherwise assists an offender to evade arrest could face investigation and prosecution where sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility.

The warning applies to landlords, property agents and other individuals who may knowingly assist offenders, the statement said.

Social Media Users Told to Report Information to Police

The commissioner also cautioned content creators, bloggers and social-media users against circulating sensitive information about child abduction, trafficking and other serious crimes before liaising with the police.

While acknowledging that social media can help raise awareness, the command said premature disclosure of details about victims, suspects, locations or ongoing police operations could alert offenders, enable them to move victims, destroy evidence, change identities or flee.

The police urged anyone who encounters a victim or obtains credible information about child abduction, trafficking or similar offences to notify law enforcement promptly so that appropriate investigative and rescue measures can be initiated.

The statement added that individuals whose deliberate actions obstruct investigations, compromise rescue efforts, conceal offenders or materially help suspects evade justice could be investigated and prosecuted where evidence warrants.

Parents Advised to Be Cautious When Leaving Children With Others

Parents and guardians were advised to exercise extreme caution before entrusting children to newly acquainted neighbours, domestic workers, casual acquaintances or people whose identities and backgrounds are not sufficiently known.

The command said it would continue to use all lawful resources available to combat child abduction and trafficking, rescue victims and bring perpetrators and collaborators to justice.

Members of the public with information about the missing children or anyone connected to the incident were urged to contact the nearest police station or the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

The police also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to carry out their work without unnecessary interference.

Child Abduction Cases and Security Concerns

The incident adds to ongoing public concern over abductions and security risks affecting communities in Nigeria. The Bureau Journal has previously reported on the rescue of abducted NYSC members in Kogi, a security operation involving the rescue of 21 victims and the abduction of passengers from buses on a Kogi highway.

Related coverage includes the reported abduction of students and a school principal in Kogi and an explainer on the state police bill and Nigeria’s policing debate.