A new tenant has allegedly absconded with a woman’s children in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, prompting a police investigation.
The incident reportedly came to light after the woman entrusted her children to the relatively new co-tenant, who allegedly left with them before her return.
The spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, locate the children and apprehend anyone found culpable.
The command said the investigation followed a trending video about the incident circulating on social media.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, directed landlords, property owners and agents across the state to conduct proper due diligence on prospective tenants.
The police advised landlords and property agents to obtain verifiable information, including valid identification, functional phone numbers, previous residential addresses, next-of-kin details and credible guarantors or referees.
They were also urged to keep proper records of tenants and promptly report suspicious behaviour or movements that could threaten the safety of other residents.
The command warned that anyone who knowingly harbours criminals, conceals a suspect’s identity or whereabouts, provides false information to investigators or assists an offender in evading arrest could face prosecution if sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The police also cautioned content creators, bloggers and social media users against prematurely publishing sensitive information about child abduction, trafficking and other serious crimes without first contacting the authorities.
According to the command, publicly disclosing details about victims, suspects, locations or ongoing operations could alert offenders, enable them to relocate victims, destroy evidence or evade arrest.
Parents and guardians were equally advised to exercise caution when entrusting their children to newly acquainted neighbours, domestic workers or other people whose identities and backgrounds have not been adequately verified.
The police urged anyone with credible information about the missing children or anyone connected to the incident to immediately contact the nearest police station or the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The command assured residents that it would deploy all lawful resources available to rescue the children and bring anyone found responsible to justice, while urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information.
