The Benue State Police Command has apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in a child trafficking syndicate operating within Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and other areas of the state. The suspects are accused of recruiting pregnant girls, who subsequently give birth to babies sold for over N150,000.
In a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, it was revealed that the operation also resulted in the rescue of a child who had been reported missing by their parents from the syndicate’s hideout.
The gang’s base of operation was traced to the IDPs camp in the North Bank area of Makurdi town. The police acted on credible intelligence and conducted intense surveillance before successfully busting the syndicate.
Among the arrested individuals was the wife of the gang’s alleged kingpin, identified as Friday, who is currently evading arrest.
Anene stated, “The arrests were made following information about a syndicate of child traffickers operating around the Internally Displaced Persons camp at North Bank and other parts of Makurdi.”
During interrogations, the suspects confessed to their involvement in recruiting pregnant girls and receiving payment of N150,000 for each delivered pregnancy, which they handed over to the kingpin, Friday.
Additionally, the police were able to rescue a child who had been previously reported missing by their parents at the Daudu Police Division from the house of the said kingpin.
The Benue State Police Command urged parents to be vigilant and ensure the safety of their children and wards, particularly during the holiday season.
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