A woman identified simply as Mercy was apprehended by residents in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Saturday morning over allegations of attempted child trafficking.

 

The incident occurred near Tionsha Primary School, along Naka Road, when a suspicious interaction between the suspect and a teenage boy raised an alarm.

 

According to Mr. Paul Tion, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi Local Government Area, the woman had earlier given the boy ₦1,000 to buy biscuits and lured him to accompany her under the pretext of going to play football.

 

“Luck ran out on her when the boy’s father, who had gone to buy food nearby, noticed something was off and questioned the child,” Tion said.

 

 

 

As the suspect attempted to leave the scene with the boy on a commercial motorcycle (Okada), local vigilante members intervened and apprehended her.

 

Tion noted that he was assaulted by some angry residents, particularly women, while trying to protect the suspect from mob action and ensure her safe transfer to the police.

 

“She is currently in custody at the D Division Police Station, Makurdi,” he confirmed.

 

 

 

Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, for official comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.