Kano state governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has cautioned parents of the nine children rescued from Onitsha to be wary of journalists and NGOs.

Mr Ganduje made the appeal in a message delivered at the formal handover of the children to the government by the Nigeria Police on Monday.

A statement issued to KANO FOCUS by Aminu Yassar, Director General Media and Publicity said the governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji.

“I want to appeal to parents of these rescued children to always watch their words and restrict themselves and the kids from unnecessary media exposure and dealings with NGOs, as some people may likely exploit the situation for selfish reasons”, Mr. Ganduje remarked.

He assured the parents that “that investigation into the case of their children and similar cases is going on and their words and actions are capable of jeopardizing the work of security agencies”.

Mr Ganduje added that the state government is making arrangements to support the parents and rescued kids on a date to be announced soon.

He also commended the Nigeria Police for rescuing the kids and maintaining the peace in Kano despite the ethnic and religious coloration of the crime.

Presenting eight children to the governor, the Commander, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Nigeria Police, Kano Command, Babagana Saje said the ninth kid is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Kano.

Mr Saje, a Chief Superintendent of Police said they have discovered a kidnapping racket operating in Kano and Anambra states.

“We have arrested some of the suspects including a man and his wife, who kidnap children here and sell them off in Onitsha.

“They sell the children for about N200, 000 to a lady in Onitsha who in turn sells them to her customers in Lagos. In fact, two of the children were found with her, as domestic servants”, he said.

He remarked that the Police found that the kidnapped children were renamed and converted from Islam to Christianity to conceal their identity and prevent them from being discovered.

Mr Saje added that parents of seven out of the nine have identified their children, following the necessary security procedures, but two are yet to be claimed.

“I, therefore, want to urge parents whose children have been kidnapped in Kano to please come forward and identify the remaining two kids in our custody”.

“All the suspects in this case will be taken to court as soon as the Police complete investigations”, he assured.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Malam Muhammad Ali explained that his daughter Aisha, was abducted in 2016. He said all the parents were overwhelmed with joy reuniting with their kids and thanked the Nigeria Police for doing a wonderful job.