The Nasarawa State Police Command has rescued three children from a suspected kidnapper in Mararaba, following a swift response to a distress call by vigilant residents of the area.
The incident happened around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, at the Orange Market area in Mararaba, a busy suburb known for its large population and commercial activities.
According to a statement by the state police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, the suspect, identified as Aisha Hashiru, a 22-year-old woman, was caught while trying to escape with three young children.
“She was about to be lynched when the Divisional Police Officer of Mararaba ‘A’ Division quickly mobilized his patrol team to the scene,” the police said. “The officers rescued both the suspect and the children and took them to the police station for safety.”
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had sneaked into the home of Ramatu Auwal, a resident of the Orange Market area, around 5:00 p.m. and abducted her three children: Fatima Auwal (4 years old), Shafiyi Auwal (5 years old), and Amina Auwal (6 years old).
Aisha allegedly lured the children out of their home by promising to buy them biscuits. However, as she attempted to leave the area with the kids, suspicious residents noticed her strange behavior and raised an alarm.
“She confessed during interrogation that she used biscuits to trick the children into following her,” SP Nansel added.
The situation could have turned deadly, as angry residents were ready to take matters into their own hands before the police intervened.
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia for further investigation. He also directed officers across the state to intensify efforts in tackling cases of missing children and human trafficking.
This incident has once again raised concerns about the rising cases of attempted child abductions in Nigeria. Across the country, several similar cases have been reported, with traffickers using tricks like sweets, biscuits, and promises of gifts to lure unsuspecting children.
Residents and community leaders in Mararaba have praised the swift response of the police and the alertness of neighbors, which helped prevent what could have been a heartbreaking tragedy.
In his closing remarks, SP Nansel said, “The Command appreciates the vigilance of residents and assures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the safety of children across Nasarawa State.”
