The trafficked children rescue carried out by the Benue State Police Command has brought renewed attention to child safety in the region after officers successfully intercepted six minors being allegedly moved from Plateau State to Anambra State. According to the command, the children—aged between seven and nine—were quietly taken from Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage located in Jos before the suspects embarked on their journey.
In a detailed statement shared with journalists in Makurdi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that three women—identified as Monica Okonkwo, 57; Nkiru Nwosu, 55; and Oyechele Francisca, 57—were taken into custody for their suspected involvement. All three suspects hail from Umude Oka Dunukofia in Anambra State and were reportedly traveling with the children under circumstances Edet described as deeply questionable.
How the Children Were Rescued
Edet explained that the breakthrough came on 20th November 2025, around 1705hrs, when police officers on routine patrol along the Orokam–Enugu Road spotted a vehicle whose occupants drew suspicion. Upon stopping and searching the vehicle, officers discovered the six children inside, leading immediately to the arrest of the three female passengers.
The rescued minors were identified as:
Amanda Chukwujekwu (F, 8)
Chioma Maduagwu (F, 8)
Oyechegi Kosisochukwu (F, 9)
Okonkwo Odinaka Chukwu (F, 9)
Arinze Chukwu (M, 7)
Oluchukwu Esther (F, 9)
According to the Punch, the suspects initially claimed they were transporting the children to Anambra State, but the police noted that there was no legitimate documentation or clear explanation linking the orphanage to their movement. This raised immediate red flags, strengthening the suspicion of child trafficking.
Edet assured the public that the children are now safe and receiving proper protective care, while the suspects are being thoroughly investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID). He emphasized that the trafficked children rescue marks another significant step in curbing the increasing cases of child exploitation across the country.
Separate Incident: Suspects Lynched by Mob
In another development covered in the same statement, Edet revealed that two individuals linked to a string of motorcycle thefts around George Akume Way in Makurdi were attacked and lynched by angry residents before police officers could intervene. The suspects reportedly attempted to flee when confronted, prompting members of the public to take matters into their own hands.
When officers arrived at the location, several items suspected to have been stolen were recovered. These included 11 motorcycles, over 47 motorcycle seats, fuel tanks, criminal charms, three mattresses, and even a single-barrel firearm. Edet noted that the discovery further confirms the level of organized criminal activities in the area.
Police Warn Against Mob Actions
Reacting to the mob incident, Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari condemned the rising wave of jungle justice, describing it as a “dangerous trend” that undermines the rule of law. He stressed that mob actions obstruct justice, violate human rights, and interfere with ongoing or potential investigations. Emenari urged residents to always hand over suspects to legally recognized authorities to ensure lawful prosecution.
A Persistent Problem
Child trafficking continues to pose a significant threat across Nigeria, exposing victims to emotional trauma, physical harm, and long-term developmental challenges. Stories like this trafficked children rescue in Benue highlight both the dangers children face and the importance of constant vigilance among citizens and law enforcement agencies.