Heroic 8-year-old girl escapes kidnappers in Akwa Ibom

In an inspiring act of bravery, 8-year-old Abasiofon Udeme Udoekpo, a pupil of Government Primary School, Ikot Uboh in Akwa Ibom State, narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The frightening incident took place at Ikot Ibritam Junction during the early morning hours as Abasiofon made her way to school. According to reports, she was forcefully taken by unidentified individuals in what appeared to be a targeted abduction.

But the young girl’s courage made all the difference.

Displaying quick thinking far beyond her years, Abasiofon raised a loud alarm, screaming for help and drawing the attention of people nearby. Startled by her bold reaction and the attention it attracted, the kidnappers abandoned their plan and fled the scene.

Local residents—described by eyewitnesses as “Good Samaritans”—quickly rallied to her rescue and ensured her safety. She was then taken to the office of Hon. Sunday Festus, Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, where she received care and reassurance.

According to the Press Secretary to the chairman, Mercy Udoh Edidiong, efforts were currently ongoing to establish contact with the victims’ parents.

“We wish to inform the public that Miss Abasiofon Udeme Udoekpo, a young girl, narrowly escaped an attempted child trafficking incident near Ikot Ibritam Junction.

“She was found and safely brought to the office of the Chairman, Rt. Hon. Sunday Festus, at the Council Secretariat, Ikot Ibritam,” Edidiong said.

She revealed that the girl was able to identify her mother as Mrs. Glory Udoekpo who was said to have left her in the care of a certain lady at Oruk Anam, as a house help, as well as identified her father as one Mr. Monday Tom.

“Following her rescue, she has been safely transferred to the Police Divisional Headquarters, Ikot Okoro, for further investigation and care,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, operatives of Oruk Anam Division of Akwa Ibom Police Command said they have commenced manhunt for the suspected kidnappers.

The LG chairman urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies, stressing “Child safety is a responsibility we all share.”