By Favour Adinya
The Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, has arrested child traffickers in Okuku Market, Yala Local Government Area.
With the report making the rounds in some quarters, the State Police Command under the leadership of CP Rashid Afegbua, says it wishes to clarify the trafficking involving a nurse.
The Police explained that on July 15, 2025, at about 2:PM, operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with an international NGO – Caritas International with the support of the Ogoja Divisional Police Headquarters, apprehended two female suspects linked with the act.
The Police identified the suspects as Paulina Banku Otu, a nurse employed at Ogoja General Hospital, and Regina Abuashia, a staff of Ogoja Local Government Council, who was reportedly involved as the buyer of the child.
According to the police, the arrests followed an ongoing investigation initiated after the child, a two year old Purity Lehi Sunday, was reported missing on July 5, 2025, from Okuku Market in Yala LGA.
Intelligence gathering and collaboration with joint team and the child’s biological mother, Mrs. Maria Ogar, facilitated the recovery of Purity, who was found unharmed and reunited with her family at the Ogoja Police Station.
According to the law enforcement agency, during interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and have been transferred to the NAPTIP office in Calabar for further investigation and prosecution under relevant laws.
In a press release issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, emphasized that the online videos could incite public unrest and undermine ongoing investigations.
The release urged social media influencers, bloggers, and content creators to verify facts before publication, noting that spreading of false or sensational narratives carries serious legal consequences and can hinder the course of justice
The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and combating crimes, particularly child trafficking, throughout the state.