The Ekiti State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has intercepted an 18-passenger bus along Ado-Ekiti-Ikere Road for alleged human trafficking.

The bus, said to be conveying 33 passengers including women and children, was intercepted on Friday by the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Corps.

The suspects were paraded at the Command Headquarters by the state Commandant, Donatus Ikemefuna who told reporters thatNSCDC hascommenced an investigation into the matter.

“We shall continue to investigate the suspects and make sure we get to the root of the matter,” he said.

Ikemefuna added that the suspects would be handed over to officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He however called on residents of the state to quickly alert security agencies when they notice any movement of unfamiliar persons in their neighbourhood.

“We are not magicians; communities should be ready to work with us as well as all security agencies by giving us information on any suspicious movement in their neighbourhood,” he urged.

A driver, who was arrested along with the suspects, denied any involvement in the crime, saying he was only transporting them to Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

“I am a driver; they met me at the garage and asked me to take them to Ogbomoso in Oyo State which is outside my route. I don’t know the way from Benue to Ogbomoso but it was one of them that was guiding me.” (Channels TV)