By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

The Police Command in Benue has arrested three suspected child traffickers and rescued six children along the Orokam–Enugu Road.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Makurdi.

Edet said the arrest followed the interception of a suspicious vehicle by operatives on patrol on Nov. 20.

She said the suspects – Mrs Monica Okonkwo, 57; Nkiru Nwosu, 55; and Francisca Oyechele, 57; all of Umude Oka, Dunukofia, Anambra State, were arrested after a thorough search of the vehicle.

According to her, the police rescued five girls and one boy, all aged between seven and nine.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the children were taken from Divine Peace and Grace Orphanage, Jos, Plateau State, under questionable circumstances, with the suspects claiming they were being transported to Anambra State.

“The children have been rescued and are under protective care, while the suspects are in custody as investigations continue at the State CID,” she said.

In another development, Edet said that on the same day, the Command received a distress call over a reported stolen Bajaj motorcycle traced to a compound on George Akume Way, Makurdi.

She said that police patrol teams arrived at the location and met a large crowd of youths.

“Upon entry into the premises, 11 suspected stolen motorcycles, 47 motorcycle seats, fuel tanks, criminal charms, three mattresses, one single-barrel firearm and other items were recovered.

“Two suspects escaped but were apprehended by members of the public opposite the BIPC Company on George Akume Way and lynched before the arrival of the police.

“They were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Wadata, where they were confirmed dead by a doctor. Their remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary. The State CID has taken over the investigation,” she added.

Edet said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, strongly condemned mob action, describing it as a dangerous trend that obstructs justice, violates human rights and undermines police investigations.

She urged residents to always report suspects to the police rather than take the law into their own hands. (NAN)