The Benue State Police Command has successfully apprehended a suspected female child trafficker and rescued eleven children who had been trafficked from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State to Edo State. The suspect, identified as Priscilia Mhiive Terhemen, also known as Mhirve Terlumun, from the Mbachir community in Katsina-Ala, allegedly sold the children to buyers in Benin City for N30,000 each, under the guise of ‘transport money’.

The incident came to light on August 18, 2025, when Comr. Agber Akaajime, leader of the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO) Edo State Chapter, uncovered the syndicate's activities. Following this discovery, Akaajime initiated a thorough search within Benin City, leading to the successful rescue of the children. The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the TYO Edo State Chapter, facilitated the return of the children to Katsina-Ala on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Hon. Dr. Justine Shaku, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday. He strongly condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric, inhumane, and totally unacceptable.” His Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity further elaborated on the details of the rescue operation.

Security operatives and police sources have confirmed that the victims have been documented, and the suspect remains in detention. The State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has since launched a full-scale probe into the matter. Security analyst Zagazaola Makama also confirmed the ongoing investigation.

The rescued victims were listed as: Iwuese Terkimbi (5 years), Sulma Terhemen (7), Sechiur Orsuyi (8), Sunday Mlumum (20), Nguveren Sunday (15), Doose Mwaave (12), Ternenge Wuave (11), Mnena Terhemen (16), Aondonengen Terkimbir (12), Nensha Terhemen (10), and Saakuma Terhemen (13). It is noteworthy that while the initial reports indicated the trafficking of minors between the ages of 5 and 13, some of the rescued individuals, such as Sunday Mlumum (20), Nguveren Sunday (15), and Mnena Terhemen (16), fall outside this described age range, a detail that is likely to be part of the ongoing investigation.