Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a woman, identified as Miss Akudo, over the alleged trafficking of two underage girls to Burkina Faso.
The suspects were apprehended at Mini-Okoro, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following a complaint filed at the Boundary Police Division in Aluu by the mother of one of the victims.
The victims, 17-year-old Anita and 16-year-old Favour, are both residents of Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Police sources said the complaint alleged that Anita is still being held captive in Burkina Faso.
In the course of the investigation, the police also arrested a woman identified as Linda, who allegedly sheltered Akudo at her residence, and a young man, Ibuchi, said to have been sent by the prime suspect to invite Anita on the day the trafficking arrangement was carried out.
Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Kok, said efforts were ongoing to secure the rescue of the victim reportedly held in Burkina Faso.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Favour, who was trafficked alongside Anita, alleged that Akudo deceived and lured her into the arrangement under false pretences.
Police said investigations are continuing.
