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The Benue State Police Command has recovered a newborn baby allegedly stolen from his mother at a hospital in Gboko and arrested several suspects in connection with the incident. The command’s spokesperson, Peter Aondongu, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying the suspects were apprehended following investigations into the reported theft. According to sources cited by the police, the baby was allegedly taken from his mother only a few hours after she gave birth on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to launch efforts to locate the child and identify those responsible.
Aondongu said some of the suspects had been transferred to the state police headquarters in Makurdi for further investigation, while others remained in custody at the Gboko Police Division. The police did not immediately disclose the identities of the suspects or provide detailed information about how the baby was recovered, as investigations were still ongoing. Authorities are expected to establish how the alleged theft was carried out, determine the individual roles of those arrested and investigate whether the incident was connected to a wider child-trafficking network.
The recovery has brought relief to the family while the police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance. The incident has also renewed concerns over the security of newborns and mothers in healthcare facilities, particularly the need for hospitals to maintain strict identification and access-control procedures. The Benue Police Command is expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses and said those found culpable would face the appropriate legal process.
