Benue traditional rulers seeks stronger security action against child kidnapping

The Gboko Area Traditional Council has called for enhanced security measures to address the increasing child kidnapping incidents in Gboko, pledging its full support for community policing efforts. This assurance was provided during a high-level security meeting between the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the traditional rulers in Gboko.

The meeting, chaired by HRH Gabriel Gbanongun Shosum, known as Ter Gboko, highlighted the traditional rulers' collaboration with security agencies to strengthen community policing. HRH Chief Shoshum praised the Nigeria Police for their swift response, which led to the arrest of key suspects involved in recent child kidnapping cases.

One such case involved an unidentified woman who allegedly abducted a newborn from the Comprehensive Health Clinic in Gboko. She, along with other suspects linked to the kidnapping of two children in Mbateriev, were apprehended. Ter Gboko directed that all suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) for comprehensive investigations and prosecution.

He also visited the mother of the kidnapped child, ensuring she received necessary medical care and support. This incident underscores the significance of cooperation between traditional institutions and security agencies in combating crime and safeguarding residents, particularly children. Local residents expressed optimism that continued cooperation between the Gboko Area Traditional Council, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, and the community would lead to a safer town, fostering an environment of peace, development, and prosperity.

The continued collaboration has bolstered parents' confidence in living freely in the town. However, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, was unavailable for comment at the time of this report.