Child abductions happen everyday around the world and in Nigeria and whenever the news brings the story of a kidnapped child, the terrifying prospect of abduction fills the minds of parents everywhere.
We live in an unsafe world and sadly the people we often trust could look after our children can end up bringing harm to them. That is why it has become of great concern to most parents to safeguard their children in every possible way.
Child abduction or child theft is the unauthorized removal of a minor (a child under the age of legal adulthood) from the custody of the child's natural parents or legally appointed guardians.
Most abducted children are eventually recovered, but the majority of these children return home with visible or emotional scars. A small number of kidnapped children are never located.
There are many reasons why children are abducted. Abduction or kidnapping by strangers (from outside the family, natural or legal guardians) who steal a child for criminal purposes which may include:
- Extortion, to elicit a ransom from the guardians for the child's return
- Illegal adoption, a stranger steals a child with the intent to rear the child as their own or to sell to a prospective adoptive parent
- Human trafficking, a stranger steals a child with the intent to exploit the child themselves or by trade in a list of possible abuses including slavery, forced labour, sexual abuse, or even illegal organ trading
- Murder
Here are some things you can do to reduce the odds of your child being kidnapped;
- Know your child's whereabouts at all times.
- At a very early age, teach your child their name, address and telephone number and your first and last name.
- Never leave kids alone in a car or at home, even for a minute.
- Never accept help from strangers who offer to help you carry your baby or young child.
- Choose caregivers — housemaids, nannies, cleaning staff — carefully and check their references.
- Have a file for caregivers and include their names, crucial details like where they are from, their pictures and any other relevant information.
- Only use agents that are trusted and can vouched for by people you know.
- Never trust a new caregiver with your children. Ensure your watch and observe them all the time.
- Keep a list of phone numbers of other nearby parents and offer your number to these parents. You can quickly check on the location of your children if needed.
- Set boundaries about the places your kids go. Supervise them in places like malls, movie theaters, supermarkets, churches, mosques, public toilets etc.
- If you've arranged for someone to pick up your kids from school or day care, discuss the arrangements beforehand with your children and with the school or childcare center.
- Avoid dressing your kids in clothing with their names on it — children tend to trust adults who know their names.
- Make sure younger kids know their names, address and phone number.
- If your kids are old enough to stay home alone, make sure they keep the door locked and never tell anyone who knocks or calls they are home alone.
- Practice screaming with your children. If a stranger attempts to talk to or grab your children, your children should know to shout, "No!" or "Fire!"
- Have photographs taken of your children at least four times a year (especially for preschoolers). Make note of birthmarks or other distinguishing features.
Have your child fingerprinted and store the prints in a safe, easily accessible place in your home.
What you should do if your child is abducted?
The first few hours are the most critical in missing-child cases, so it's important to provide the police with information about your child immediately. If your child has been abducted, contact the Nigerian Police Force immediately.
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