The Gboko Area Traditional Council has urged security agencies to intensify measures to curb the rising incidents of child kidnapping in Gboko, assuring them of its unwavering cooperation in strengthening community policing across their respective communities.
The traditional rulers gave the assurance during a high-level security meeting with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Gboko.
The meeting, held on Thursday, was led by the Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Gbanongun Shosum, alongside selected traditional rulers from the area.
HRH Chief Shoshum commended the Nigeria Police for their swift response and efforts that led to the arrest of key suspects connected to the recent incidents of child kidnapping in his domain.
There have been repeated incidents of child kidnapping in Gboko in recent times, heightening tension in the town.
An unidentified woman who allegedly abducted a newborn at the Comprehensive Health Clinic, Gboko, was arrested.
The woman was presented alongside other suspects allegedly connected to the reported kidnapping of two children in Mbateriev.
HRH Shoshum directed that all the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) for thorough investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
He also visited the mother of the kidnapped child and directed that she receive appropriate medical attention and care following the traumatic incident.
The development underscores the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and security agencies in tackling crime and protecting residents, particularly vulnerable children.
Residents said that with continued cooperation between the Gboko Area Traditional Council, the Nigeria Police, the DSS and the wider community, stakeholders are optimistic that Gboko can become a safer and more secure town, creating an environment conducive to peace, development and prosperity.
They said the meeting with the security agencies had given parents greater confidence to live freely in the town.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.
Benue traditional rulers seeks stronger security action against child kidnapping