Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued two teenage girls, aged 15 and 17, from Benue State, who were allegedly lured into Ibadan with promises of employment and subsequently forced into prostitution.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Tersoo, was arrested on Wednesday following a collaborative operation between the police and leaders of the Tiv community in Ibadan.
According to police sources, the suspect had contacted the girls from their home state, offering them what he described as decent job opportunities in Oyo State.
However, upon their arrival in Ibadan, the narrative changed drastically. The victims were reportedly coerced into commercial sex work against their will.
A source familiar with the investigation revealed that when the teenagers expressed their desire to return home, Tersoo allegedly moved them to a different location and contacted their parents, demanding a ransom of N300,000 for their release.
This demand triggered the alarm that led to their rescue. The swift intervention of the MetroPolice, aided by vigilant members of the Tiv community, led to the tracking and subsequent arrest of the suspect.
A whistleblower involved in anti-human trafficking efforts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, commended the police and community for their rapid response.
“This operation shows what we can achieve when security agencies and the public collaborate. We remain committed to dismantling these predatory networks and protecting our vulnerable children from such exploitation,” the source stated.
The rescued teenagers are currently receiving necessary care and support. Authorities confirmed that the process of safely returning them to their families in Benue State has been initiated.
