41 Children Rescued As Police Arrest Three Suspected Human Traffickers In Kwara

Kwara State Police Command has busted a child-trafficking syndicate run by three suspects, Musa Ayuba, 44, Jeremiah Muda, 35, and Luka Ayuba, 37, all of Bangi village via Kotongura, Niger State.

Police Rescue 41 Children From Traffickers In Kwara

The command spokesman, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, in a statement on Saturday, said the police rescued 41 children (22 boys and 19 girls) between the age of five to 15 years, while they were waiting for a lorry that was to convey them to their destination in Ilorin.

Okasanmi said the suspects while undergoing interrogation, claimed to be coming from Niger to Ilorin to meet a certain pastor to enroll the children in a yet-to-be-determined school.

The police spokesman, however, noted that their explanation didn’t seem genuine, hence the men were arrested for investigations, as it is highly suspected to be a case of child trafficking.

He said, “On January 14, 2023, at 0400 hours along the Okolowo expressway, a detachment of policemen on special security assignment, intercepted the trio with 41 young boys and girls (22 boys and 19 girls). The victims are of different ages of between 5 and 15 years old.”

“The suspects, while undergoing interrogation, claimed to be coming from Niger state to Ilorin to meet a certain pastor to enroll 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.

“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.

“The command wishes to advise parents and guidance to avoid releasing their children to unknown or deceitful child traffickers.

“The children might be used as house helps and other despicable endeavours, which is against the child rights laws.

“The suspects arrested in this case would be charged to court after a thorough investigation,” he said.

KanyiDaily had also reported how a 53-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to traffick three girls from Oyo and Osun to Libya through Niger Republic.