Benue: Police rescue one-day-old baby, arrest 11 suspects

The Benue State Police Command has rescued a newborn baby who was reportedly stolen immediately after delivery at a healthcare facility in Gboko Local Government Area of the state.

The command also arrested 11 suspects in connection with the incident.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondona, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

The statement said, “On 12 August 2026, at about 1100 hrs, operatives of the Command attached to A Division, Gboko, received a complaint from one Aondofa Chia, whose wife delivered a baby shortly at a healthcare facility in Gboko, that the newborn baby had gone missing.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives immediately commenced investigation, which led to the arrest of nine suspects for questioning and to assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects at about 10pm on the same date, including the principal suspect, Mrs. Nguhemen Asugh, aged 35 years, who stole the infant baby. The stolen newborn baby was subsequently rescued from her custody and safely reunited with the mother.

“With the latest arrests, a total of 11 suspects are currently in police custody in connection with the offence. Investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the case, determine the roles played by all the suspects, and each person’s degree of culpability.”

CP Nwadiogbu commended the operatives for their swift response and professional handling of the incident.

He reassured the people of Benue State that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to respond decisively to reports of crime and threats to public safety.

The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or provide credible information to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 08066006475 and 07067374913.