Abducted 13-Year-Old Escapes As Kidnappers Fall Asleep In Bush

The Anambra State Police Command has appealed to the public and media for help in reuniting a 13-year-old kidnap victim, Anayo Stephen, with his family members.

Anayo, a native of Ubaha-Akparu Community in Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State, was kidnapped by four young men while heading to collect grass for goats on Saturday, August 9, 2025, and was later found at Ideani Junction in Anambra State.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed this in a statement issued on Monday, August 11, noting that the boy escaped while his abductors were asleep in the bush.

“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public, especially the good people of Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State of the safe custody of one Anayo Stephen aged 13 years, from Ubaha-Akparu Community. The young boy was allegedly abducted in Imo State but was found at Ideani Junction in Anambra State,” the statement read.

“According to the boy, on 9th August 2025, at about 3.00 p.m., while on his way to fetch grass for goats, four young men in a Hilux vehicle stopped him. They initially asked him for directions to a certain place in his area. However, unknown to him, they allegedly abducted him and took him to an undisclosed location.

“The boy further stated that while his captors were asleep with him in the bush, he managed to escape. While walking away from the scene, he met the vigilante operatives at Ideani Junction and narrated his ordeal. The victim speaks both Igbo and English fluently.

“Given the above, the Command seeks the assistance of members of the media to share his picture for possible identification and to reunite him with his family.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli