Abducted 13-year-old Imo boy escapes as kidnappers fall asleep in bush

The Anambra State Police Command has urged the media and public for assistance in reuniting a 13-year-old kidnap victim, Anayo Stephen, with his family.

Anayo, who hails from Ubaha-Akparu Community in Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State was abducted by four young men while on his way to fetch grass for goats on Saturday, August 9, 2025 and found at Ideani Junction in Anambra State.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, August 11, said the minor escaped while his captors were asleep in the bush.

“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the good people of Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State of the safe custody of one Anayo Stephen aged 13 years, from Ubaha-Akparu Community. The young boy was allegedly abducted in Imo State but was found at Ideani Junction in Anambra State,” the statement read.

“According to the boy, on 9th August 2025, at about 3.00 p.m., while on his way to fetch grass for goats, four young men in a Hilux vehicle stopped him. They initially asked him for directions to a certain place in his area. However, unknown to him, they allegedly abducted him and took him to an undisclosed location.

“The boy further stated that while his captors were asleep with him in the bush, he managed to escape. While walking away from the scene, he met the vigilante operatives at Ideani Junction and narrated his ordeal. The victim speaks both Igbo and English fluently.

“Given the above, the Command seeks the assistance of members of the media to share his picture for possible identification and to reunite him with his family.”