BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Edo State Police Command has rescued 19 children and six women trafficked from different parts of the country to Benin City.
The police also stated that the rescue operation was carried out in synergy with local vigilante in Evboutubu area, Ekehuan road, Benin City on Thursday, April 15, 2021.
The victims, including a teenager were said to have been trafficked from Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Anambra and Akwa Ibom states.
A statement endorsed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command SP Kontongs Bello added that the women confessed to have been lured from their various states by one Jennifer/Ezine surname unknown and now at large.
“They were lured in a guise that Edo State Government is giving financial support to single mothers with new born babies especially twins. But on arrival in Benin City, they discovered different thing entirely and met no support, but were rather engage in illicit business.
“The women said they were forced to go for street begging for their mistress Jennifer. They further stated that only pea-nut is given to them to take care of their children and feeding from proceed of the begging.”
The state police command however enjoined the general public to disregard the rumours making the round especially in the social media that “Women and Children rescued from Baby Factory by the Police in Benin City” as the story is unfounded.
“The women and children have since been handed over to Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs for rehabilitation and possible return to their home States while effort also is in place to arrest the fleeing mistress,” It maintained.
Meanwhile, the statement further stated that the commissioner of police in Edo State CP Philip Ogbadu has advised parents to be wary of unknown persons who approach them with promises to better the lives of their children, as the result is always catastrophic.
It expressed the CP’s assurance of enhanced security for all law abiding citizens, residents and visitors to Edo State.
