A suspected human trafficker has been arrested in Makurdi, Benue State, following intelligence-led tracking in the early hours of today. The woman, identified as Mrs. Mngunengen Iorafa, also known as Aza Mama, was described as a notorious figure in trafficking circles within the state.
According to a detailed social media update by Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya, the suspect was previously arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for allegedly trafficking two Benue girls to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for prostitution. She was reportedly granted bail after that initial arrest.
Fresh intelligence indicated that Mrs. Iorafa had recently brought two girls from Konshisha and relocated them to a park in the early morning hours. Acting on this tip, she was tracked, arrested, and handed over to the Benue State Police Command at the E Division in Makurdi for further investigation.
The arrest has been welcomed by many as a step toward curbing human trafficking activities in the region, where vulnerable young girls continue to face exploitation risks. The poster noted that more details would be provided as the case progresses, while describing the suspect as a “retired waka waka lady” in local parlance, implying involvement in itinerant exploitative activities.
This latest development comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies and community watchdogs to combat human trafficking networks operating in Benue State and across Nigeria. Authorities at the Benue State Police Command are expected to provide official updates on the investigation in due course.
