By Ayorinde Taiwo (SIWES student, Gate Way Polytechnic Saapade)
Operatives from the Benue State Police Command successfully rescued three abducted children in Rivers State. This operation came after parents reported the disappearance of two of the children in Makurdi on September 24, 2023.
According to Catherine Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer, the missing children were identified as six-year-old Philomena Kpaakpa and less than two-year-old Benedict Kpaakpa.
Anene explained that these two children, along with another child, were saved from the custody of a medical doctor in Rivers State.
The family of Godwin Kpaakpa, residing on Badagry Street, opposite St. Peters Church in Wurukum, Makurdi, reported the disappearance of their two children. A swift investigation was initiated, leading to the rescue operation.
On January 20, 2023, information was received from the Rivers State Police Command that, during an operation in the Rumuokoro area, they had rescued three children who matched the descriptions of the missing Benue children.
A team of detectives was dispatched to Rivers State to confirm their identities and take necessary actions.
Philomena and Benedict have been reunited with their family, but Godsgift Julius, the third child, is yet to be connected with his family.
The medical doctor in Rivers State is under investigation, while efforts are underway to locate any potential accomplices in Benue. Anene emphasized the importance of vigilance among parents, guardians, teachers, and those responsible for caring for children to prevent child trafficking cases.
