A suspected trafficker, identified as Priscilia Mhiive Terhemen from Mbachir in Katsina-Ala area of Benue State, has been arrested for allegedly trafficking eleven children to Benin City, Edo State.
A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident on his X handle on Monday, August 25, noting that the victims were rescued with the help of Benue indigenes residing in Edo State and were subsequently returned to Katsina-Ala.
The rescued children have been identified as Iwuese Terkimbi (5 years), Sulma Terhemen (7), Sechiur Orsuyi (8), Sunday Mlumum (20), Nguveren Sunday (15), Doose Mwaave (12), Ternenge Wuave (11), Mnena Terhemen (16), Aondonengen Terkimbir (12), Nensha Terhemen (10), and Saakuma Terhemen (13).
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Edet, confirmed the arrest and stated, “Yes, the police are aware of the incident. The suspect is in custody while an investigation is ongoing.” She added that the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced further investigations into the case.
This development contributes to the growing number of child trafficking rescue cases across Nigeria. In July, the Anambra State Police Command reported the recovery of eleven children and the dismantling of an interstate child-stealing, abduction, and trafficking ring operating in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area. Investigations revealed that the children had been abducted from Adamawa State and were illicitly sold to unsuspecting individuals seeking to adopt; boys were priced at ₦1.5 million each and girls at ₦800,000.
