CITIZENS COMPASS—Police in Benue State have apprehended one Mhirve Terlumun for allegedly selling 11 children at N30,000 each.
The Command said it had rescued the children who were allegedly trafficked before the sales.
The children aged between five and 20 years were said to be trafficked from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area to Edo State before Terlumun allegedly sold them, to buyers in Benin City, feigning that the payments were “transport money.”
The rescue operation, conducted on August 23, 2025, was a joint effort by the Benue State Government and the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO) Edo State Chapter, led by Comr. Agber Akaajime.
The syndicate was uncovered on August 18, 2025, prompting Akaajime to lead a search in Benin City that successfully located the children.
Hon. Dr. Justine Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, condemned the trafficking as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable” in a statement issued by his media aide on August 24, 2025.
The rescued children include Iwuese Terkimbi (5), 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), and Saakuma Terhemen (13).Security analyst Zagazaola Makama confirmed on August 25, 2025, that the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a full investigation into the case.
