The police have rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The rescued persons were Bonsaly Donel, male, 24; Charles Siloe, male, 23; Eliane Makengo, female, 26; Makota Darcel, female, 23; and Simba Elie, male, 33.

The Police ’ublic Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement, explained that the victims were rescued during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel, Araromi area of Ibadan.

He stressed that the victims, during preliminary questioning, disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria on the promise of greener pasture and better economic opportunities.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking at Araromi area.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the state Commissioner of Police, directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit to take immediate action, resulting in the successful rescue of the five foreign nationals from the hotel.

“The rescued persons are Bonsaly Mpika Donel, male, 24; Charles Siloe, male, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, female, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, female, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, male, 33. All five are nationals of the Republic of Congo.

“During preliminary questioning, the victims disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria on the promise of greener pasture and better economic opportunities.”

The PPRO added that the suspect was not found at the hotel during the operation, and efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend him.

Ayanlade stated, “Following their rescue, the victims received medical attention and underwent medical examinations.”

He, therefore, urged members of the public to always provide credible and actionable information that could assist in identifying and apprehending those connected with the suspected trafficking operation.

In another development, the police authorities have confirmed one person dead during the attack launched on members of ACCORD during a peaceful procession in Ibadan on Wednesday.

A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan said that, during the attack, one Azeez Tajudeen, aged 40, sustained a severe injury to his right eye.

According to the PPRO, he was immediately rushed for medical attention and subsequently taken to the State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, where he was examined and confirmed dead, while his remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue.

“The Oyo State Police command has commenced an investigation into a fatal attack on a group of individuals who were welcoming Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat back to Ibadan, an incident that resulted in the death of one person.

“According to the report lodged at the Police Station on October 14, 2026 by Kehinde Ibikunle, the group came under attack by suspected hoodlums shortly after leaving Molete, while proceeding towards Iwo road, where the Agidigbo Office is located.

“During the attack, one Azeez Tajudeen, aged 40, a native of Oke Amu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, sustained a severe injury to his right eye. He was immediately rushed for medical attention and subsequently taken to State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, where he was examined and confirmed dead. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue.” (Nigerian Tribune)