The police command in Nasarawa State has arrested a 22-year-old woman, Aisha Hashiru, over alleged attempt to traffic three minors in the Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement to journalists on Friday in Lafia.

Mr Nansel said that the suspect was apprehended on September 4 at about 5:45 p.m. by members of the public at Orange Market, Mararaba, while attempting to abduct the children.

He said the suspect was rescued from being lynched by a mob after operatives of Mararaba ‘A’ Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly intervened.

According to him, the rescued children are Fatima Auwal, 4, Shafiyi Auwal, 5, and Amina Auwal, 6 years old respectively.

He said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect sneaked into the residence of one Ramatu Auwal of Orange Market and abducted her three children. Nemesis, however, caught up with her when she was intercepted by vigilant members of the public. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to luring the children under the pretext of buying them biscuits.” 

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Mohammed, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for further investigation.

Mr Nansel said the commissioner also urged officers to intensify efforts at unravelling other reported cases of missing children, while reiterating the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking in the state.

He commended residents for their vigilance and assured them of sustained efforts to safeguard children and protect lives across Nasarawa State. 

(NAN)