The Abia State Police Command has arrested two young men over their alleged involvement in an attempted abduction of a two-week-old baby girl in Umuahia, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Nzubechi Chinagorom, 24, and Chinonso Chibundu, 25, both residents of Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area, are facing allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, attempted child theft and drug-related offences.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the incident occurred on May 25 at the residence of the child’s mother, Miss Amarachi Chinyereugo.
The police said Chinagorom allegedly attempted to forcefully take away the infant, leading to a violent struggle with the mother. During the altercation, he reportedly assaulted the woman and stabbed her with a kitchen knife.
The command disclosed that the attack caused the baby to slip from her mother’s grasp and fall to the ground, sustaining injuries to the head.
Investigators further revealed that Chibundu allegedly remained outside the residence during the incident, serving as a lookout while the attempted abduction was being carried out.
Following a distress call raised by the victim, the suspects reportedly fled the scene but were later tracked down and arrested at a nearby bus stop.
The police said they were found consuming substances suspected to be hard drugs at the time of their arrest.
The injured mother and her baby were immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment and have since recovered, according to the police.
The command added that exhibits linked to the case were recovered and investigations have been concluded at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned before a competent court on June 2.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Abia State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities and security threats to the nearest police station.