The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the discovery of over 50 children allegedly found by the Nigerian Police in the underground of a church in Valentino area of Ondo town in Ondo State.
In a statement on Saturday, MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, to transfer the case to Abuja to prevent cover-up.
“Such a scary find is not expected inside a place of worship. But before Nigerians start being judgemental, we advise the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to quickly intervene. The case must be transferred to Abuja immediately to avoid local interference by influential people.
“This is in the interest of the general public. Nigerians may never know the truth about this case as long as the case tarries long in Ondo Police Command. The identities of all the children are of immense importance. Vested interests may hamper investigations if the children and the arrested suspects remain in Ondo,” Akintola said.
He commended the police for the breakthrough, which he said adds another feather to the Nigerian Police cap, particularly the Ondo State Police Command.
He said, “We remind Nigerians that here is one of the reasons we need our gallant policemen and another good reason for cooperating with them and treating them with respect. This feat confirms our belief that the Nigerian Police is one of the best in the world if it gets every necessary equipment.
“This case may be the open sesame of several unexplained cases of child abduction and the strange disappearance of children in various parts of the country.
“Nigerians are eagerly waiting. The IG must not disappoint concerned parents who have been wallowing in deep anguish over the loss of their children for so long. The ball is in IG Usman Alkali’s court.”