By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has rescued a one-day-old baby allegedly stolen shortly after delivery at a healthcare facility in Gboko and arrested 11 suspects in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on August 12, 2026, at about 11am, when Aondofa Chia informed operatives of the A Division, Gboko, that his newborn baby had gone missing shortly after his wife delivered at a healthcare facility in the area.
Following the report, police operatives immediately commenced investigations, leading to the arrest of nine suspects for questioning and to assist in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the baby.
The investigation was intensified, resulting in the arrest of two additional suspects at about 10pm the same day.
Among those arrested was the principal suspect, identified as 35-year-old Mrs Nguhemen Asugh, who was allegedly found with the stolen infant.
The police said the baby was subsequently rescued from her custody and safely reunited with the mother.
The Command said 11 suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the individual roles and level of culpability of each suspect.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their swift response and professional handling of the case.
Nwadiogbu assured residents that the Command remained committed to protecting lives and property, adding that the police would continue to respond decisively to reports of crime and threats to public safety.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or provide credible information to the nearest police station.
Members of the public can also contact the Command through its emergency lines: 08066006475 and 07067374913.
