In a proactive security operation carried out around midnight, the Wurukum Team of the Alia Generation Youth apprehended twelve underage individuals during a surveillance patrol beneath the New Bridge in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The minors, who had been living under the bridge in precarious conditions, were identified as highly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs and at risk of eventual involvement in banditry and other social vices if left unattended.
Preliminary findings revealed that the children came from multiple local government areas across Benue State, including Vandeikya, Konshisha, Guma, Gboko, Agatu, and Makurdi.
Following established security protocols, the State Leader of the Alia Generation Youth promptly handed the rescued minors over to the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Emmanuel Anumbe, in line with the directive of the Governor’s Internal Security Adviser, Hon. James Malu. The children were later transferred to the Ministry of Women Affairs for proper profiling, rehabilitation, and welfare support.
Speaking at the scene, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Community Services, Hon. Sam Maga, commended the swift action of the youth group. He assured them of government support and promised to escalate their needs to higher authorities, emphasizing the importance of sustaining grassroots security and child protection initiatives.
The operation highlights the unwavering commitment of the Alia Generation Youth to complementing state-led efforts in safeguarding internal security, protecting vulnerable children, and rehabilitating at-risk populations.
