A three-year-old girl has been rescued after she reportedly went missing while returning from school in Saki, Oyo State, with police arresting a 17-year-old boy, identified as Usman Dauda, in connection with her alleged defilement.
The Oyo State Police Command said the incident occurred on September 17, 2026, after the child went missing while being picked up from school earlier in the day.
According to the command, a distress report was lodged at the Saki Divisional Police Station at about 6pm, prompting a search for the missing child.
The police said the girl was later found by the roadside in a distressed condition during the search.
Preliminary inquiries, according to the command, indicated that the suspect had allegedly taken the child into his apartment, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.
Following the discovery, police detectives visited and secured the location, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of physical evidence allegedly linked to the incident.
The child was subsequently taken to a medical facility in Saki, where she is receiving medical treatment and psychosocial care, according to the police.
The command said the case had been transferred to the Gender Desk of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The police also said it would protect the identity and privacy of the child and her family in line with the Child Rights Act and established protocols for handling cases involving minors.
“The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its unwavering zero-tolerance policy against child abuse and sexual violence,” the command said in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Thursday.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of violence or abuse involving children and other vulnerable persons to the nearest police station.
The command also advised members of the public to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on 615 or the police control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413 in emergencies.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigation into the alleged offence continues.
