Police arrest suspected child trafficker, rescue 11 children sold for N30,000 each

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected child trafficker, identified as Mhirve Terlumun, following the rescue of 11 children from her custody.

According to reports, Terlumun allegedly lured and trafficked the children from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State to Edo State, where she reportedly sold them to buyers for ₦30,000 each.

The children were rescued through a joint operation by the Benue State Government and the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO), Edo State Chapter, led by Comrade Agber Akaajime. They were safely returned to Katsina-Ala on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

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The Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Justine Shaku, who confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, expressed strong condemnation over the incident, describing the act as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.”

The statement signed by his Personal Assistant on Media and publicity said the incident came to light on August 18, 2025 after Akaajime, uncovered that the syndicate leader, Terlumun, a native of Mbajir, Shitile in Katsina-Ala, sold minors between the ages of 5 and 13 to buyers in Benin City for N30,000 each, under the guise of “transport money.”

Following the discovery, Comr Akaajime initiated a thorough search within Benin City, leading to the rescue of the children.

Security analyst, Zagazaola Makama, who confirmed the development on Monday said the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had commenced investigation into the case.

He listed listed the rescued victims as: Iwuese Terkimbi (5 years), Sulma Terhemen (7), Sechiur Orsuyi (8), Sunday Mlumum (20), Nguveren Sunday (15), Doose Mwaave (12), Ternenge Wuave (11), Mnena Terhemen (16), Aondonengen Terkimbir (12), Nensha Terhemen (10), and Saakuma Terhemen (13).