How a Woman Who Always Gave Us a Ride Home From Church Kidnapped My Three Children
A Nigerian mother has recounted how a woman she met at church and trusted with her children’s safety allegedly took three of her four children away from their home while she was at the market.
In a disturbing account, the mother said the woman had spent about two to three months building a relationship with her family before the alleged incident.
She described the woman as someone who appeared generous and responsible, regularly donated to the church, bought sweets for children and offered to help families in need.
According to the mother, the woman frequently gave her and her children rides home in her Toyota Venza whenever she found them walking after church services.
The woman reportedly told her to call whenever she needed a ride, adding that she loved spending time with children because her own children were grown.
The mother said she believed the woman was genuinely kind and never imagined that the relationship could endanger her family.
THE DAY THREE CHILDREN DISAPPEARED
The mother said everything changed on the first Friday of September 2026.
She had gone to the market and decided not to attend the church vigil that evening. Although the woman had asked whether they would attend, the mother said she had not confirmed her plans.
While she was away, the woman allegedly arrived at their compound and asked the children whether they had eaten.
The eldest daughter reportedly explained that they had eaten leftovers and were waiting for their mother.
The woman allegedly handed the girl ₦5,000, claiming that the children’s mother had asked her to provide the money for them to cook spaghetti and beans.
But the girl reportedly became suspicious because her mother had instructed them never to leave with anyone when she was not around.
Despite the child’s concerns, the woman allegedly maintained that the mother had sent her.
A neighbour who observed the interaction reportedly became suspicious and questioned the woman’s actions.
The woman subsequently drove away with three children, leaving their eldest sister behind.
Unknown to the alleged suspect, the neighbour had reportedly taken photographs of the vehicle and its registration number.
‘I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT I WAS HEARING’
The mother said she became terrified when she returned home and discovered that three of her children were missing.
Her eldest daughter reportedly broke down in tears and told her that the woman who usually gave them rides from church had taken her siblings.
The mother said she was shocked because she had not spoken to the woman that day or authorised her to take the children.
She immediately called the woman, but there was no response.
With her husband away at work, she reportedly rushed to the police station and reported the incident.
The police allegedly began tracking the vehicle using the registration number captured by the neighbour.
According to the mother, information later emerged that the car had been spotted in traffic with the three children inside.
She said she rushed to the location with the police and found her children alive but frightened.
The mother further alleged that when one of the girls identified the woman as someone from their church, the woman became angry and slapped the child.
Police officers subsequently arrested the woman, according to the account.
SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY LINKED TO TRAFFICKING NETWORK
The mother claimed that the woman confessed to being involved in a child-trafficking network.
She alleged that the woman described how members of the network could spend weeks or months attending churches, observing families and gaining the confidence of parents before targeting their children.
According to the account, the alleged strategy involved appearing generous, offering gifts and money, donating to churches and providing transportation to families.
The mother further claimed that the children were allegedly intended to be sold to people willing to pay substantial sums of money, with some potentially taken abroad.
If established, the allegations would raise serious concerns about child safety and the methods traffickers may use to exploit trust within communities.
However, the alleged confession and trafficking claims have not been independently verified. Details of any police investigation or formal charges were not provided in the account.
MOTHER URGES PARENTS TO BE VIGILANT
The mother expressed gratitude that her children were found and returned safely, thanking her neighbour for documenting the vehicle and helping to alert the authorities.
She urged parents to establish clear safety rules for their children, including never leaving with anyone without direct permission from a parent or guardian.
She also advised families to be cautious when unfamiliar people suddenly show unusual interest in their children, even when those individuals appear helpful or share the same religious community.
The mother emphasised that parents should appreciate kindness without allowing familiarity to replace vigilance.
Her account serves as a reminder of the importance of child safety, parental supervision and promptly reporting suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authorities.
Editorial note: Before publishing either version as confirmed news, seek confirmation from the police regarding the reported arrest and alleged confession. Until then, attribute the claims to the mother’s account rather than presenting the alleged trafficking connection as an established fact.
