The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons’ Edo Zonal Command has detained a bogus Reverend sister in connection with the suspected trafficking of 38 Delta State children.
According to reports, the suspect, 40-year-old Ikejimba Maryvianney (alias Oluchi), and one Chidera, who is still at large, gave over the children to two orphanages under the premise of better care.
The children were reportedly given over to the accused by their parents at a rural community in Enugu-Awka camp by Monastery, Ilah, Delta State.
The NAPTIP reportedly detained Maryvianney after receiving a tip.
When contacted, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander in Benin, Nduka Nwanwenne, who confirmed the incident said the suspect was in custody.
He said the suspect claimed to be trained in Ghana as a Rev. sister while their headquarters is in the Philippines.
She said she came to meet the parents and persuaded them to allow their children to follow them to their orphanage homes and that they would be given better care.
He added, “To convince the parents when they were handed over the first batch of the children, he said the suspects asked two of the parents to follow them to know the two orphanage homes the children would stay’.
“32 of the children have been recovered by the agency while six who are between the ages of three and six years old are yet to be recovered
“The suspect claims that three of the six children are in Badagry while the other three are in Ogun State but later said they have been adopted by people in the East.”
He said the agency was still on the trail of the other suspect who is at large and that the suspect would be charged in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
He warned parents to be vigilant and never trust anybody with their kids without asking fundamental questions.