The Benue State Police Command has rescued three children who were kidnapped by a syndicate of child traffickers in Rivers State.
The children, two of whom are siblings, were abducted from their mother’s shop in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, in September 2023 by a woman posing as a customer.
The police spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, said the command launched an investigation and alerted other states as soon as the incident was reported by the distraught parents of Philomena Kpaakpa, 6, and Benedict Kpaakpa, 2.
“You will recall that on 24th September, 2023 at about 0730hrs, the family of Godwin Kpaakpa of Badagry street, Opposite St. Peters Church Wurukum, Makurdi reported that two of their children were missing; Philomena Kpaakpa 6yrs and Benedict Kpaakpa who is less than two years old,” the statement read.
“Investigation started immediately and a signal was sent across the country as usual. On 20/10/2023, information was received from River State Police Command that in the course of an Operation at, Rumu-Okoro area, they rescued three children from a medical doctor that seem to be the same children earlier reported by Benue Command. A team of detectives were sent to River state for identification and other necessary actions.
“Fortunately, the two children were identified alongside with one other child; Godsgift Julius whose parents are yet to be identified
“Philomena and Benedict have been reunited with their family while Godsgift is yet to connected with his family. The medical doctor is being investigated at River State while efforts are being made to locate his counterparts in Benue
“Parents, guardians, teachers and people who are involved in managing children are advised to watch over their children/wards more closely to forestall such cases of child trafficking.”
