Suspected child traffickers arrested in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has successfully apprehended members of a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating in and around the Internally Displaced Persons camp at Northbank and other areas in Makurdi.

According to a statement by Anene Catherine, the spokesperson for the command, the arrest was made possible after the police intensified surveillance and acted on information about the syndicate’s activities.

Among those arrested were the mastermind, Member Friday, his wife, and their accomplices Stephen Terungwa, Sughter Akegh, and Atom Gideon.

During the investigation and interview sessions, the suspects admitted to recruiting pregnant girls, who subsequently gave birth, and then handing over the babies to Friday, the alleged kingpin who was on the run. For each pregnancy delivered, they were paid one hundred and fifty thousand Naira.

Additionally, one child, previously reported missing by their parents at the Saudi police Division, was rescued from the residence of the said kingpin.

The police have urged the public to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children, especially during the holiday season.