The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State, Jaro Egbo, has dismissed reports alleging that 52 children were abducted in the council area.
Egbo, while addressing the matter, explained that the claims first surfaced in May, sparking plans for a public demonstration. However, after investigations, the council discovered that only five cases were genuine, and none aligned with the initial claims.
According to him, one of the cases involved a 15-year-old girl who had eloped with her lover, while another involved a child taken by her father following a separation from the mother. There was also a case of a missing twin and allegations linking scavengers to abductions.
Egbo noted that the situation prompted the local government to ban scavengers in Ughelli North as part of security measures.
He reassured residents that the reports of “52 missing children” were false, urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.
