Benue State Government officials have successfully rescued two students from a human trafficking syndicate in Makurdi, the state capital, who were being prepared for transportation to Libya for commercial sex work.

The rescue operation, conducted in the North Bank area of Makurdi, was led by Hon. Emmanuel Iorhemba Anundu, the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking and Child Labour.

According to officials, the victims were students of Tilley Gyado College who had been lured into the trafficking ring. The traffickers, identified as Mr. Shola Oyiwale and his brother, Mr. Jide Oyiwale, were reportedly contracted by Mr. Shola's fiancée who resides in Libya.

"The suspects received N100,000 to execute the act and had already purchased hijabs and travel kits for the victims," Hon. Anundu revealed. "The victims, four in number, were lured into the trafficking ring, with two rescued and two still at large."

The operation was initiated following a tip-off from community members, prompting a swift response in collaboration with security agencies. The rescued victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for profiling, investigation, and rehabilitation.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, through a phone call, commended Hon. Anundu's efforts and emphasized that such incidents must not recur in the state. NAPTIP also expressed appreciation for Hon. Anundu's tireless efforts in combating human trafficking and child labour.

The rescue team included Hon. Sam Magah, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Community Services, as well as personnel from the Nigeria Police Force.

Authorities are continuing their search for the two remaining victims and have intensified efforts to dismantle trafficking networks operating in the state.