By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – 26 victims of suspected human trafficking from Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Anambra and Akwa Ibom states have been rescued by the Edo State Police Command in Benin, the state capital.
A press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Kontongs Bello, on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, said the the victims were heading towards Evbuotubu, off Ekenwan Road, Benin City, before they were intercepted by the Police.
Bello, who said the rescue was done in collaboration with local vigilante, added that one Jennifer (also called Ezinne), who is now on the run, lured the 7 women, who had 19 children with them, to leave their homes with a promise that the state government would give them financial support to take care of their children.
She was said to have stressed that mothers of twins were going to benefit more from the support.
The Spokesman explained that contrary to earlier accounts on social media that the victims were for baby making, the Jennifer uses her victims for street begging and rewards them from the proceeds of the act.
According to the statement, “They were lured in a guise that Edo State Government is giving financial support to single mothers with newborn babies, especially twins.
“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 the proceed of begging.”
“The women and children have since been handed over to Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs for rehabilitation and a possible return to their home states while effort is also in place to arrest the fleeing mistress,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Phillip Aliyu Ogbadu, has urged media practitioners and members of the public to always verify their source of information before publication in order not to mislead the general public.
He advised parents not to be misled by lofty promises by strangers who have their secret agenda for their children and assured law-abiding citizens of the state to go about their lawful businesses as the Command is committed to ridding the state of criminals.