A child trafficking syndicate at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and recruitment of pregnant girls has been smashed in Benue State.
Already, four suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the crimes.
The suspects were accused of recruiting pregnant girls who were paid N150,000, after giving birth and handing over their babies to them.
A statement by the Benue State Police Command spokesman, SP Catherine Anene, given to Persecondnews on Wednesday, said the operation carried out by operatives also resulted in the rescue of a child from the syndicate’s hideout,
He said the girl’s parents had earlier reported her missing.
“The Command, acting on reliable intelligence and close monitoring, busted the gang, whose base of operations was near the IDP camp in Makurdi.
“Surveillance was intensified in these areas and the following persons were arrested in connection with the offence; Member Friday, the kingpin’s wife and accomplice, Stephen Terungwa, Sughter Akegh and Atom Gideon. The kingpin, one Friday escaped to an unknown destination.
“During the interview session, the suspects confessed to have recruited pregnant girls who gave birth to babies that were 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 Daudu police Division was also rescued from the house of the kingpin,” Anene said.
The Command appealed to parents to ensure that their children and wards were in safe places at all times especially during the holidays.
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