Police recover stolen newborn baby, arrest suspects in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended several suspects in connection with the theft of a newborn baby in Gboko, according to the command's spokesperson, Peter Aondongu. The baby has since been recovered, bringing a swift resolution to the alarming incident.

Sources indicate the infant was allegedly abducted from his mother at the hospital just hours after delivery on Tuesday. The incident caused significant tension among family members, sympathizers, and hospital staff, leading to the deployment of security operatives to maintain order.

“

I can confirm to you that some suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of a newborn baby in Gboko on Tuesday.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted how the alleged thief posed as a hospital nurse. The suspect reportedly followed the mother and baby, and when the newborn did not cry immediately after birth, the disguised individual offered to move them to a ward for further care. The mother, believing the person was a legitimate nurse, handed over the baby.

The alleged trafficker then took the baby towards the labor room, instructing the baby's grandmother to step aside with assurances that everything was under control. Shortly after, the woman disappeared with the newborn, prompting a swift police investigation and the subsequent arrests.

“

Some of the suspects were earlier transferred to the state headquarters in Makurdi while other suspects are in police custody at Gboko division right now.