Benue Police smash criminal hideout, rescue six children in separate operations

The Benue State Police Command has rescued six children from suspected human traffickers after intercepting a vehicle along the Orokam–Enugu Road.

In a statement released on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Udeme Edet, said police operatives on routine patrol became suspicious of the vehicle and flagged it down at about 5:05 p.m. on Thursday.

Inside the vehicle were three women Mrs Monica Okonkwo, Nkiru Nwosu, and Oyechele Francisca, all residents of Umude Oka, Dunukofia in Anambra State.

Further checks revealed six minors in their custody, eight-year-old Amanda Chukwujekwu; eight-year-old Chioma Maduagwu; nine-year-old Oyechegi Kosisochukwu; nine-year-old Okonkwo Odinaka Chukwu; seven-year-old Arinze Chukwu; and nine-year-old Esther Oluchukwu.

According to DSP Edet, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the children were taken from Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage in Jos, Plateau State, under questionable circumstances.

The suspects claimed they were transporting the children to Anambra State.”

She explained that the rescued minors have been placed under protective care pending further inquiries, while the three women have been detained as investigators from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) take over the case.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the alertness of the patrol team and reiterated the Command’s readiness to clamp down on suspected human trafficking networks across the state.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, noting that the safety and welfare of children remain a top priority for the police.

The Command assured that details of the investigation and subsequent actions will be made public as the case progresses.