12-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Abducted, Used as ‘Collateral’ for Rice Purchase in Lagos

A 12-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS-2) student, whose identity is being withheld, was allegedly abducted and used as collateral for the purchase of two bags of rice valued at N180,000.

According to the boy’s father, Pastor Joshua Ogbonna, the incident occurred on Friday, March 1, around 9:00 a.m. The boy was sent to buy moi-moi for the family breakfast but never returned home. The father later discovered that the boy had been taken to a rice seller who claimed he stole two bags of rice.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the boy went to buy moi-moi, and when he returned to collect it, a man accompanied him, claiming to be his father. The man, purportedly buying rice for a church event, took both the rice and the boy, leaving the rice seller with a false impression.

The police, viewing CCTV footage, confirmed the purchase of two bags of rice for N180,000. The alleged abductor abandoned the boy in Opawale after a series of transports, causing significant trauma.

The Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, urging traders to be cautious of fraudsters using innocent children for such schemes. Hundeyin advised traders to ensure buyers come with a family member and bring money before taking any items.

The boy’s father, Pastor Ogbonna, expressed his ordeal, stating that he had to pay N90,000 for one bag of rice to secure his son’s release. The police insisted on an additional N5,000 for the boy’s bail.

The police are currently investigating the case, and the boy is said to be dealing with the traumatic experience. Parents are reminded to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of verifying transactions involving children to prevent similar incidents.