A year-old unidentified child has been found in a forest opposite Holy Trinity House, Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State

The boy, whose name could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, was allegedly picked by the vigilante chairman, Frank Okonkwo, while on night watch-round in the community at about midnight.

News Express recalls that the issue of child theft in Anambra schools has been on the increase in recent times.

To this end, police urged parents and school proprietors to adopt extra measures and vigilance about their children and pupils.

A source told News Express, “I wonder who could have brought this young child into such forest. I suspect ritualists. They might have used him for rituals. I don’t think it was just a case of child abandonment.

“This is electioneering period; everything is possible. That is why everybody should be careful and watchful.”

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Haruna Mohammed, said: “Vigilante Chairman attached to Adazi-Nnukwu town, one Frank Okonkwo, brought to Neni division a male Child of about one-year-old alleged to have been abandoned in the bush opposite Holy Trinity House Adazi-Nnukwu.

“The Baby is dark in complexion and without a tribal mark. Effort is ongoing to trace his biological parents in order to reunite him with the family.”

Mohammed called on members of the Public with useful information that could help trace the parents of the child to report at Neni Division or call a designated telephone line.