The Anambra State Police Command has announced the rescue of 13-year-old Anayo Stephen, who was allegedly abducted in Imo State and found in Anambra State. According to the police, Anayo was taken by four young men in a Hilux vehicle on August 9, 2025.
Anayo was fetching grass for goats in Ubaha-Akparu Community, Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State, when the incident occurred. The abductors pretended to ask for directions before whisking him away to an undisclosed location.
Anayo managed to escape from his captors while they were asleep in a bush. He then met vigilante operatives at Ideani Junction in Anambra State, where he narrated his ordeal. The police have taken Anayo into safe custody and are working to reunite him with his family.
The Anambra State Police Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding Anayo’s abduction and escape. The police are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this crime.
The force is seeking the assistance of the media to share Anayo’s picture for possible identification and reunification with his family. Anayo speaks both Igbo and English fluently, and the police believe that with the public’s help, they can quickly locate his family.
The police urge anyone with information about Anayo’s family to come forward and help reunite him with his loved ones. The command is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens and is working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime.
The Command is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of all citizens. The command is working to prevent further incidents of abduction and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The rescue of Anayo Stephen has brought relief to the community, and many are praising the police for their swift action. The incident highlights the importance of community-police collaboration in preventing and solving crimes.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Awka, released a statement on August 11, 2025, appealing for assistance in reuniting Anayo with his family. The police are counting on the public’s help to bring this case to a successful conclusion.
The Anambra State Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. With the public’s help, the police hope to reunite Anayo with his family and bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.