Benue Police Rescue Six Children, Recover Firearms, 11 Motorcycles in Sting Operations
The Benue State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected child traffickers and the rescue of six minors during a targeted operation along the Orokam–Enugu highway.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, police operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying the three female suspects, all residents of Umude Oka in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Inside the vehicle were six children, all between seven and nine years old.
The rescued children were identified as Amanda Chukwujekwu (8), Chioma Maduagwu (8), Oyechegi Kosisochukwu (9), Okonkwo Odinaka Chukwu (9), Arinze Chukwu (7), and Oluchukwu Esther (9).
Preliminary findings revealed that the children were taken from the Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage in Jos, Plateau State, under circumstances authorities described as suspicious. The suspects reportedly claimed they were transporting the minors to Anambra State.
DSP Udeme noted that the children have been placed under protective custody, while the suspects are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning.
In a separate operation, the Command says it uncovered a criminal den in Makurdi, leading to the recovery of several stolen items and a firearm.
The police acted on a distress call concerning a missing Bajaj motorcycle and traced it to a compound along George Akume Way.
Upon arrival at the location, operatives discovered eleven suspected stolen motorcycles, 47 motorcycle seats, fuel tanks, three mattresses, criminal charms, a single-barrel firearm, and other items believed to be used for criminal activities.
During the raid, two suspects reportedly fled the scene but were apprehended by residents near the BIPC Company on George Akume Way. DSP Udeme explained that the suspects were lynched by the mob before police officers arrived.
They were later confirmed dead at a medical facility, and their remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue. The State CID has taken over investigations into both cases.
