Kidnappers Lure Children With Yoghurt In Lagos Community

Discover how kidnappers use yoghurt to lure children in Lagos. Learn about the recent case of a 3-year-old boy abducted in Iwaya and the ongoing efforts to bring him home.

A Community Shaken by Fear

The bustling streets of Iwaya, a densely populated neighborhood in Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State, have been gripped by a troubling wave of child abductions. These kidnappers have devised a chilling tactic: luring innocent children with yoghurt. Despite the area’s lively rhythm, these predators prey on the most vulnerable, exploiting trust to execute their sinister plans.

In the past few weeks, at least five children have been reported missing. The perpetrators typically target kids accompanied by older siblings or friends, using yoghurt as bait. According to eyewitness accounts, a woman in a hijab often orchestrates the abductions, making her blend seamlessly with the community.

A Heartbreaking Incident

On Friday, January 11, 2025, tragedy struck again when eight-year-old Ubueda and her three-year-old brother, Mohammed Naziru, were targeted. The siblings had just attended Jumat prayers at a nearby mosque. A hijab-wearing woman approached them and handed Ubueda a crumpled ₦500 note, instructing her to buy yoghurt worth ₦150. Trusting the stranger, Ubueda complied, only to return and discover that her younger brother had disappeared.

This devastating event marked the fifth abduction in the area within a short time. Residents were left shaken, fearing for the safety of their children.

Suspect Apprehended

Three days after the incident, the suspect resurfaced in the same community. Naziru’s older sister immediately recognized her as the alleged kidnapper. The woman attempted to flee but was caught by a mob. However, thanks to the swift intervention of police officers from the Sabo division, she was saved from being lynched.

Despite her arrest, the woman has refused to disclose the boy’s whereabouts. She pretended to be mentally ill when transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

A Father’s Agonizing Plea

Naziru’s father, Alhaji Idris Adamu, shared his anguish over his missing son:

“When I got the call about my son’s abduction, I rushed home and saw the mob attacking the woman. I begged them not to kill her because her death wouldn’t bring my son back. She must reveal where she kept him before it’s too late.”

Alhaji Adamu further explained that some incriminating evidence was found in the suspect’s possession. Among the items were notes with instructions on how to keep the boy sedated and several telephone numbers written on scraps of paper. He is convinced the woman is faking mental illness to avoid confessing.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Detectives at the SCID are determined to uncover the truth. Plans are underway to conduct a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect to verify her mental state. Meanwhile, a man who initially claimed to be her father during the mob incident has also been interrogated and released.

Community on High Alert

This horrifying case has left the residents of Iwaya deeply unsettled. Parents are now more vigilant, ensuring their children are not left unattended. The community calls on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue Naziru and prevent future abductions.