By Oguntoye Efe Richard,
A suspected kidnapper has been arrested in Ughelli, Delta State, after an alleged attempt to abduct a school pupil was thwarted by vigilant residents in the Ekuigbo area of the town.
The suspect, Advocate.ng gathered was reportedly apprehended on Monday shortly after allegedly abducting a pupil of a popular Catholic school during school movement hours, triggering panic within the community.
Eyewitnesses said an alarm raised over the incident mobilised residents and community members, who swiftly tracked down the suspect and rescued the child before handing him over to local security operatives for further investigation.
Sources within the community disclosed that the pupil was recovered unharmed, while the suspect is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation.
Security officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether the suspect acted alone or is linked to a wider kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
Community leaders commended residents for their swift response, noting that their vigilance helped prevent what could have become another disturbing case of child abduction.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over the safety of schoolchildren and the increasing threat of kidnapping in parts of Delta State.
Residents have called for increased security presence around schools and greater collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies to curb criminal activities targeting children.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident but are expected to provide further details as investigations progress.
The foiled abduction comes amid heightened vigilance across several communities in Delta State, where residents have intensified efforts to support security agencies in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
