Benue traditional rulers seeks stronger security action against child kidnapping
The Gboko Area Traditional Council has called on security agencies to enhance efforts in response to the increasing incidents of child kidnapping in the area. During a high-level security meeting held Thursday with representatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), the traditional leaders pledged their full support in reinforcing community policing initiatives.
The meeting was convened by Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Gbanongun Shosum, and included select traditional rulers from the Gboko region.
HRH Shoshum praised the Nigeria Police for their prompt actions that led to the arrests of several key suspects linked to recent child abductions. The spate of kidnappings has raised concerns among local residents, with recent reports highlighting the kidnapping of a newborn at the Comprehensive Health Clinic in Gboko.
In connection with these incidents, authorities arrested an unidentified woman accused of the abduction and presented her alongside other suspects linked to the alleged kidnapping of two children in Mbateriev. HRH Shoshum instructed that all suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Additionally, he visited the mother of the kidnapped child, ensuring she received necessary medical care following the traumatic event.
The incident emphasizes the need for collaboration between traditional institutions and law enforcement to combat crime and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Local residents expressed hope that ongoing cooperation among the Gboko Area Traditional Council, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, and the community at large could lead to a safer environment, fostering peace and development in the town. Many parents reported feeling reassured following the meeting with security agencies.
As of the time of this report, efforts to contact the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, were unsuccessful.
