Oyo police rescue five Congolese in suspected human trafficking case
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued five Congolese nationals suspected of being victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-led operation at Bollarz Hotel in the Araromi area of Ibadan.
The operation followed credible intelligence received by the command, prompting the Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit to take immediate action.
The rescued persons were identified as Bonsaly Mpika Donel, 24; Charles Siloe, 23; Eliane Ruth Makengo, 26; Makota Janie Darcel, 23; and Simba Babeki Elie, 33. According to the police, all five are nationals of the Republic of Congo.
Ayanlade said preliminary questioning indicated that the victims were allegedly lured into Nigeria by a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, who reportedly promised them better economic opportunities and improved living conditions.
“The victims disclosed that a man identified as Smith, a national of the Republic of Benin, had lured them into Nigeria on the promise of greener pasture and better economic opportunities,” the statement quoted the police spokesman as saying.
However, the suspect was reportedly absent from the hotel when the operatives conducted the rescue operation. The command said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend him in connection with the suspected human trafficking case.
Following their rescue, the five nationals received medical attention and underwent medical examinations, according to the police. The commissioner of police subsequently directed that they be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, for further action in line with established procedures.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons. It also urged members of the public to provide credible and actionable information that could help security agencies identify and apprehend individuals suspected of involvement in trafficking activities.
