Two 17-year-olds suspected of abducting the child were apprehended by community youths and taken to police custody after fears of mob action

A two-year-old boy kidnapped from Bunyia Iruan community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has been rescued after two 17-year-old boys suspected of taking him were apprehended by community youths in Ogberia Ochoro, Mbube, Ogoja Local Government Area.

Also read: Rivers Varsity Shooting Sparks Fresh Cult Fears

The suspected kidnappers, identified as Suahnen Lorlumun and Sekeghshie Silas, both aged 17, were taken to the Okubuchi Police Outpost by the Clan Head of Bunyia Irruan after concerns emerged that angry youths could lynch them.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Eitokpah said the police were aware of the incident and that the suspects had initially been taken to the outpost for their protection.

“The Cross River State Police Command is aware of an incident involving two young men, namely Suahnen Lorlumun, 17, and Sekeghshie Silas, 17, who were brought to the Okubuchi Police Outpost by the Clan Head of Bunyia Irruan, for their safety following concerns that they could be lynched by youths in the area,” he said.

The police spokesman said the suspects were subsequently released into the custody of the clan head in the company of three officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

“The command further confirms that the two young men were subsequently released into the custody of the Clan Head, in the company of three officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons from Calabar,” Eitokpah said.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said members of the community vigilante group intercepted the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to move the child through the community.

“When we noticed that they were trying to take the boy across our community, we had to stop them. We stopped the two of them and arrested them by our community vigilante group,” the eyewitness said.

The eyewitness alleged that the suspects were subsequently taken to the village square, where they were tied to a concrete wall fence and beaten before police personnel arrived.

The account of the alleged beating has not been independently verified, while the police have not indicated whether the suspects will face charges following further investigation.

The child was reportedly abducted two days before the rescue operation in Bunyia Iruan community.

The swift intervention by community members prevented the situation from escalating further, with local authorities moving the suspects to police protection amid fears of mob justice.

The involvement of NAPTIP officials alongside the clan head also points to the authorities’ effort to ensure that the suspects remain available for proper investigation rather than being subjected to extrajudicial punishment.

The circumstances surrounding the child’s abduction, including the motive and whether other people were involved, remain subject to investigation.

The police have yet to provide further details on the child’s condition or announce formal charges against the two suspects.

Also read: Rivers Varsity Cult Clash Sparks Fresh Security Fears

The incident nevertheless highlights the continuing security concerns surrounding vulnerable children in rural communities, while also underscoring the risks of mob action when suspected kidnappers are apprehended by residents.