Residents of Gyado Villa in Makurdi, Benue State, have stopped a suspected human trafficker who was allegedly trying to move seven underage boys out of the state for forced labour. The boys were reportedly brought from Ukum Local Government Area and were on their way to Ondo State, where they were expected to work on farms against their will. The suspect was caught before the journey could continue.

According to community sources, the man had lodged the boys in a hotel in Gyado Villa while preparing to travel further south. This raised suspicion among local youths who noticed the unusual movement and questioned the suspect. After a brief interrogation, the youths restrained him and alerted community leaders about the situation.

A youth leader in the area said the community is currently holding the suspect while deciding the next step to take. He explained that the intention is to hand the matter over to the Benue State office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for proper investigation and possible prosecution.

The action of the youths has been widely praised as it helped protect the children from exploitation. However, NAPTIP is yet to issue an official statement confirming the arrest or the identity of the suspect. Efforts to reach the Benue Zonal Commandant for comments were also unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.