The Benue State Police Command has rescued a one-day-old baby allegedly stolen shortly after delivery at a healthcare facility in Gboko, with 11 suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the baby was stolen on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
One Aondofa Chia was said to have reported to operatives of the A Division, Gboko, that his wife had delivered a baby at a healthcare facility but that the newborn had subsequently gone missing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, in a statement on Thursday, August 13, said that the police operatives, acting swiftly on the report, commenced investigation and arrested nine suspects for questioning and to assist in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the infant.
Further investigation, according to the PPRO, led to the arrest of two additional suspects at about 10p.m. the same day, including the alleged principal suspect, 35-year-old Mrs. Nguhemen Asugh, who was reportedly found in possession of the stolen baby.
The infant was rescued from her custody and safely reunited with the mother, while all 11 suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues.
The police said the ongoing investigation is aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident, determining the roles allegedly played by each suspect and ascertaining their individual levels of culpability.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Dr Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their swift response and professional handling of the case.
He reassured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and 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.
