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From Rose Ejembi and Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Makurdi Zonal Command have arrested one Mrs Augustina Ikyor for deceitfully adopting two months old twin babies in Benue state.
The NAPTIP Commander, Makurdi Zonal Command, Mrs Gloria Bai disclosed this in a press statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.
The statement read in part, “On Tuesday 11th October 2022, at about 1700hrs, the Makurdi Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) received a complaint from a distressed 22 years old mother of twins who alleged that her twin babies of about 2 months old were deceitfully taken from her by a woman she barely knew.”
She stated that the woman had previously demanded she sell off her twin babies since she had been thrown out of where she was staying.
According to her, she had rejected the offer but under the guise of assisting her, the woman took the twins from her and instead of staying with them or keeping them close, she took them to an unknown destination.
The commander said that on receiving the information, a tactical team of operatives from the command were immediately detailed to handle the matter and in a swift sting operation, “one Mrs. Augustina Ikyor, 49 years old was arrested and the twin babies (a boy and girl) were rescued.”
She said the mother and babies are currently in safe custody.
Mrs Bai stated that a detailed investigation is ongoing to ascertain the level of involvement and unravel other accomplices.
She called on members of the public to be on the lookout for people who lure young girls, mostly single mothers, to sell their new born babies under the guise of “assistance”.
She also warned those in the business of baby sales to desist from it or be ready to face the law.
“Please report to NAPTIP any suspicious act for necessary actions. I also want to serve a note of warning to those in the act of Human Trafficking and Sale of Babies’ business in Benue State to desist from the evil act or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.”
Mrs Bai urged the Benue public to join hands and provide information to enable the agency rid the state of human trafficking saying “NAPTIP can be contacted through its toll free line 07030000203, short code 627 or via email at [email protected]”
