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Benue Teenagers Rescued in Abuja After Using School Fees for Journey
Two adolescent girls from Benue State were recently found wandering the streets of Abuja and subsequently rescued. The incident highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable youths in Nigeria’s capital city.
Background and Rescue Details
Rt. Comrade Cletus Adole Aruta, a prominent youth leader and President General of the Omi Ny’Igede Youth Wing Development Association (ONYWDA) Worldwide, shared the story on social media on Monday, January 26, 2026. The girls, Elizabeth Ebonyi and Hannah Okpe, hail from Itogo Ipinu in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to Comrade Aruta, the teenagers used the money intended for their school fees to fund their trip to Abuja. Upon arrival on January 13, 2026, they were placed under the care of a woman to work as domestic helpers. Unfortunately, due to reported mistreatment, they fled the woman’s residence on January 24, 2026.
Discovery and Intervention
The girls were later spotted wandering along Abacha Road in Mararaba, a suburb of Abuja, where a passerby who recognized their plight alerted the authorities. The police took custody of the minors, and through connections with local youth leaders, they were safely retrieved.
“Elizabeth and Hannah left their village without parental consent, using their school fees as travel money,” Comrade Aruta explained. “They were not victims of trafficking, but rather made the journey independently. After thorough interviews, we decided to entrust them to the Itogo Association Chairman in Abuja to facilitate their return home and ensure they continue their education or acquire vocational skills.”
Community Response and Future Plans
Comrade Aruta expressed gratitude to the Abuja branch of ONYWDA, particularly Comrade Godwin Onuwa, who worked tirelessly through the night to provide shelter and care for the girls before handing them over to community representatives. The organization’s Taskforce Committee on Child Trafficking, Drugs, and Substance Abuse, led by Comrade Ogbu Lion Ogbu John, will oversee the girls’ safe return and reintegration with their families under strict supervision.
This case underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat child trafficking, substance abuse, and exploitation in Benue State and beyond. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child trafficking in West Africa, with thousands of children vulnerable to exploitation annually.
Addressing the Root Causes
Experts emphasize that poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and inadequate parental supervision often drive children to take drastic steps like Elizabeth and Hannah did. Community leaders and NGOs are calling for enhanced support systems, including accessible education, vocational training, and social welfare programs, to prevent similar incidents.
For instance, initiatives like the Benue State Child Protection Network have recently expanded their outreach programs, aiming to reduce child labor and trafficking by 15% over the next two years through community engagement and policy advocacy.
Conclusion
The rescue of these two Benue teenagers serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many Nigerian youths. It also highlights the critical role of community vigilance and coordinated efforts in safeguarding children’s rights and futures. Collective action remains essential to eradicate child trafficking and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
