By Ronald Toito’ona

Police in Honiara have taken in four individuals, including a foreign national, for questioning in connection to a series of alleged attempted child and teenage abductions across the capital in recent days. 

These incidents have created panic throughout the city, with many parents and guardians becoming increasingly agitated.

The attempted abductions have sparked widespread concern among the public, fueled by rumors that a group has been going after these kids to harvest their organs.

The individuals, whose identities have not been disclosed, were apprehended by police along with a black Toyota Caldina, which has been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso confirmed the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of the vehicle. 

“We have taken in one suspect and a vehicle. The suspect is now being questioned as we speak,” Vaevaso said.

However, In-depth Solomons was present at the Central Police Station this afternoon, following reports that more suspects have been apprehended in connection with the child abduction attempts.

Police sources revealed that four individuals were being questioned, including a foreigner and a female.

Earlier, Vaevaso told reporters police only received one report of an incident that occurred at the Solomon Islands National University’s Kukum Campus this morning.

“Apart from this report, all the others that were shared on social media were untrue because no one came forward to report them to us,” Vaevaso stated.

“One of the false rumors the police received was the report on the failed abduction of a student at Tamlan School, west Honiara,” he added.

The deputy police chief  advises members of the public that police are currently on top of the situation and that they are taking these reports seriously.

He added their investigation is still at an early stage, and they will not be able to confirm who is involved.

Reports of these attempted abductions have caused fear and unease among the Honiara public since last week.

Today, schools in Honiara sent their students home and closed their doors early.

Meanwhile, Honiara City mayor Eddie Siapu told In-depth Solomons he had issued instructions for the city’s law enforcement officers to set up check-points at strategic locations around the city.

He advised Honiara residents to remain calm, saying authorities are dealing with the issue head-on.