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A suspected human trafficker has been apprehended in Gyado Villa, Makurdi, Benue State, while allegedly attempting to transport seven underage boys to Ondo State for forced farm labour.
The suspect was reportedly arrested by vigilant youths in the area after his movements raised suspicion. The boys, said to be from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, were allegedly being taken south under false pretences before they were intercepted.
Sources disclosed that the suspect had lodged the children at a hotel in Gyado Villa, Makurdi, allegedly using the location as a temporary stopover ahead of their onward journey to Ondo State. Community members became alarmed after noticing the presence of the minors and questioning the circumstances surrounding their travel.
A youth leader in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that residents intervened after suspecting foul play. According to him, the youths apprehended the suspect and subjected him to questioning to establish his intentions and the identity of the children.
“The boys could not give convincing explanations about where they were going or the nature of the work they were being taken to do. That raised serious concerns, and the community decided to act immediately,” the youth leader said.
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He added that the community is currently holding the suspect while consultations are ongoing on the appropriate steps to take. The youth leader explained that the matter would be formally handed over to the Benue State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for proper investigation and prosecution.
The intervention by the youths has drawn praise from residents of Makurdi, who described it as a timely action that prevented the possible trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable children.
Human trafficking remains a major challenge in parts of the country, with minors often targeted for forced labour, domestic servitude, and other forms of exploitation. Civil society groups have repeatedly called on communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements involving children to the appropriate authorities.
Efforts to reach the Benue Zonal Commandant of NAPTIP, Mrs Gloria Bai, for confirmation of the incident were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. The agency has also not issued an official statement confirming the arrest or the status of the rescued boys.
Meanwhile, community leaders have urged security agencies to act swiftly to take over the case and ensure the protection and rehabilitation of the affected children.
Residents were also advised to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies in the fight against human trafficking and other forms of organised crime across the state.
