By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Police Command in collaboration with its Rivers State counterpart rescued three children two of whom were trafficked from Makurdi on September 24, 2023.
Father of the two children, Mr Godwin Kpaakpa, is said to reside at opposite Saint Peter’s Catholic church, Makurdi, Benue State capital, while the parents of one of the children is yet to be ascertained.
According to a statement by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene, Mr Kpaakpa’s two children; Philomena aged 6 and Benedict less than two years-old, were recused alongside Godsgift Julius whose parents were yet to be identified as at the time of filing this report.
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The statement reads: “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.
“Investigation started immediately and a signal was sent across the country as usual. On 20/20/2023 [sic], information was received from Rivers 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 who’s [whose] parents are yet to be identified.
“Philomena and Benedict have been reunited with their family while Godsgift is yet to connected [sic] with his family. The medical doctor is being investigated at River State while efforts are being made to locate his counterparts in Benue.
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“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.”
