8-year-old schoolgirl escapes from kidnappers in Akwa Ibom

In a remarkable display of courage, an 8-year-old pupil of Government Primary School, Ikot Uboh, Akwa Ibom State, Abasiofon Udeme Udoekpo, escaped an attempted kidnapping on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The incident occurred at the Ikot Ibritam Junction in the early hours of the morning as the young girl was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals.

However, Udoekpo’s quick thinking and brave reaction turned the tide. She raised a loud alarm that drew the attention of passersby, prompting the kidnappers to flee.

Thanks to the timely intervention of concerned members of the community described as ‘Good Samaritans’ Udoekpo was rescued and safely taken to the office of the Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Hon. Sunday Festus.

According to the Press Secretary to the chairman, Mercy Udoh Edidiong, efforts were currently ongoing to establish contact with the victims’ parents.

“We wish to inform the public that Miss Abasiofon Udeme Udoekpo, a young girl, narrowly escaped an attempted child trafficking incident near Ikot Ibritam Junction.

“She was found and safely brought to the office of the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Sunday Festus, at the Council Secretariat, Ikot Ibritam,” Edidiong said.

She revealed that the girl was able to identify her mother as Mrs. Glory Udoekpo who was said to have left her in the care of a certain lady at Oruk Anam, as a house help, as well as identified her father as one Mr. Monday Tom.

“Following her rescue, she has been safely transferred to the Police Divisional Headquarters, Ikot Okoro, for further investigation and care,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, operatives of Oruk Anam Division of Akwa Ibom Police Command said they have commenced manhunt for the suspected kidnappers.

The LG chairman urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies, stressing “Child safety is a responsibility we all share.”