The Benue State Government has rescued no fewer than 11 children allegedly trafficked and sold for as little as ₦30,000 each in Edo State.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO), Edo State chapter, led to the arrest of a suspected female trafficker, identified as Mhirve Terlumun, said to be the leader of the syndicate.
According to the Benue State Police Command, Terlumun, a native of Mbajir, Shitile in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, lured the children—aged between five and 16—from their communities under the guise of providing “transport money” before selling them to buyers in Benin City.
The children were rescued on Saturday, August 23, 2025, following a coordinated search initiated by the TYO in Benin City. They were immediately returned to Katsina-Ala.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Justine Shaku, described the incident as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.”
“The trafficking of our children is a heinous crime that cannot be tolerated in any civilised society. We will work with security agencies to ensure that everyone involved is brought to justice,” Shaku said in a statement issued by his media aide on Sunday.
Security analyst Zagazaola Makama also confirmed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full-scale investigation into the case.
Those rescued include:
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)
Saakuma Terhemen (13)
The shocking revelation came to light on August 18, 2025, after TYO’s Edo State chairman, Comrade Agber Akaajime, exposed the activities of the traffickers and raised alarm over the missing children. His swift action reportedly led to the rescue mission.
Meanwhile, police authorities have assured that the suspect and her accomplices would be prosecuted, while the rescued victims are undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities.
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