Crime
Police Arrest Child Trafficking Syndicates, Rescue 41 In Kwara
Investigation and contact with the children’s parents and guardians are ongoing.
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested three suspects allegedly involved in child trafficking into the state.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, said the suspects claimed to be coming from Niger State to Ilorin to meet a certain pastor to enrol the children.
“On January 14, 2023, at 0400 hours along the Okolowo expressway, a detachment of policemen on special security assignment intercepted the trio of Musa Ayuba, 44, Jeremiah Muda, 35, and Luka Ayuba, 37, all of Bangi village via Kotongura, Niger State, with 41 young boys and girls (22 boys and 19 girls) with their age range between five and fifteen years while waiting for a lorry that was to convey them to their destination in Ilorin
“The suspects, while undergoing interrogation, claimed to be coming from Niger State to Ilorin to meet a particular pastor to enrol the children in a yet-to-be-determined school, the claim that looked spurious would be discreetly investigated, as it is highly suspected to be a case of child trafficking.
According to the image maker, the children are presently in the custody of the police command, while efforts to contact the state ministry of women’s affairs. Investigation and contact with the children’s parents and guardians are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Cp Paul Odama psc(+) has advise parents and guidance to avoid releasing their children to unknown or deceitful child traffickers, as the children might be used as house helps and other despicable endeavours, which is against the child rights laws.
He, however, said the suspects arrested would be charged in court after a thorough investigation.
