The Benue State Government has rescued two children from a trafficking syndicate in Makurdi, the state capital.
The incident occurred in the North Bank area of Makurdi, where the human trafficking attempt was foiled.
The rescue operation was carried out by the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking and Child Labour, Hon. Emmanuel Iorhemba Anundu.
He said the two victims, students of Tilley Gyado College, were rescued from the clutches of traffickers who intended to send them to Libya for commercial sex work.
According to Hon Anundu, the traffickers identified as Mr. Shola Oyiwale and his brother, Mr. Jide Oyiwale were contracted by Mr. Shola’s fiancée, who resides in Libya.
“The suspects received N100,000 to execute the act and had purchased hijabs and travel kits for the victims.
“The victims, four in number, were lured into the trafficking ring, with two rescued and two still at large.”
Hon. Anundu said his office received a tip-off from the community, leading to a swift response in collaboration with security agencies.
“The rescued victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for profiling, investigation, and rehabilitation.”
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, through a phone call, commended Hon. Anundu’s efforts and emphasized that such incidents must not recur in the state.
NAPTIP also appreciated Hon. Anundu’s tireless efforts in combating human trafficking and child labour.
Hon. Anundu was accompanied by his colleague, Hon. Sam Magah, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Community Services, as well as personnel from the Nigeria Police Force.
