Four individuals have been apprehended on suspicion of child trafficking by the Benue State Police Command. The arrests were made near the North Bank Internally Displaced Persons camp, which is situated in the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.
Catherine Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The names of the alleged traffickers were disclosed by Anene, and the list consisted of Member Friday, the kingpin’s wife and accomplice, including Stephen Terungwa, Sughter Akegh, and Atom Gideon
Anene mentioned that Friday, the main suspect and kingpin, remained at large, having escaped arrest.
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The statement read, ‘During the interview session, the suspects confessed to having recruited pregnant girls who gave birth and handed over to one Friday, the kingpin who has been on the run.’
‘They were paid N150,000 for each pregnancy that was delivered.’
‘One child that was earlier reported missing by his parents at Saudi Police Division was also rescued from the house of the said kingpin.’
As a precautionary measure, the command advised the public to maintain a watchful eye over their children to ensure their safety, especially during holiday periods.
Once the suspects are found to be guilty, they will be made to face the lawful consequences for their actions as prescribed by the law.