The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected female child trafficker, Mhirve Terlumun, after the rescue of 11 trafficked children allegedly sold in Edo State for N30,000 each.

 

According to reports, Terlumun, a native of Mbajir, Shitile, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, allegedly lured the children, aged between 5 and 16 years, from Katsina-Ala and sold them to buyers in Benin City, Edo State, under the guise of collecting “transport money.”

 

The children were rescued through the combined efforts of the Benue State Government and the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO), Edo State Chapter, led by Comr. Agber Akaajime, and were returned to Katsina-Ala on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

 

Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Hon. Dr. Justine Shaku, condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.”

 

The case came to light on August 18, 2025, after Comr. Akaajime uncovered the child trafficking syndicate and launched a thorough search within Benin City, which led to the safe rescue of the victims.

 

Security analyst Zagazola Makama also confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced a full investigation into the case.

 

The rescued victims were identified 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)

 

Saakuma Terhemen (13).

 

 

The suspect, Terlumun, is currently in police custody as investigations continue.