The incident occurred early Tuesday at a healthcare center where the newborn was admitted for further care alongside its mother. Activist Zege Orkwande reported that the suspected child trafficker was tracked and arrested at Adekaa in Gboko after receiving reliable intelligence. In total, nine individuals were detained by the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi in connection with the case.
According to reports from Daily Trust, the newborn did not cry immediately after birth, which prompted a nurse’s intervention. After the baby stabilized, the mother was approached by a woman posing as a nurse who requested to examine the baby once more. This woman allegedly took the newborn from the mother and moved toward the labor room. The baby’s grandmother, noticing something amiss, followed the woman but was asked to step back, being assured that all was well.
Soon after, the perpetrator disappeared with the baby. The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident and noted that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation. However, details regarding the suspect’s arrest have not been officially confirmed by the Public Relations Officer. This alarming case raises significant concerns regarding child safety in healthcare facilities and the activities of potential traffickers in the region.
