Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Makurdi is currently investigating a 49-year-old housewife Augustina Ikyor for allegedly stealing the two months old twin babies of a 22-year-old mother.
The suspect was arrested after the mother of the babies raised alarm alleging that the suspect tricked her.
NigeriaCrime.com learned that the suspect Augustina Ikyor allegedly took the twins from their mother to an unknown destination under the guise of assisting her.
According to the Makurdi Zonal Commander of the Agency, Mrs Gloria Bai who acted on a distress message from the mother of the Bai revealed that “the suspect had previously demanded mother of the babies sold them since she had been thrown out of where she was staying. Although she rejected the offer under the guise of assisting her, the woman took the twins from her to an unknown destination.
“A tactical team of operatives from the command were immediately detailed to handle the matter and in a swift sting operation, one Mrs Augustina Ikyor, 49 years old was arrested and the twin babies (a boy and girl) were rescued. The mother and babies are currently in safe custody.
“Detailed investigation is ongoing to ascertain the level of involvement and unravel other accomplices.
“NAPTIP hereby calls on everyone to be on the lookout for people who lure young girls, mostly single mothers, to sell their newborn babies under the guise of ‘assistance.’
“Please report to NAPTIP any suspicious act for necessary actions. I also want to serve a note of warning to those in the act of Human Trafficking and Sale of Babies business in Benue State to desist from the evil act or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.”