Benue Teenagers Rescued in Abuja After Misusing School Fees for Journey
Two teenage girls from Benue State have been successfully rescued in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after a concerning incident where they utilized their school fees to finance an unauthorized trip. The minors, identified as Elizabeth Ebonyi and Hannah Okpe, hail from Itogo Ipinu in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Details of the Incident and Rescue Operation
According to a disclosure made by Rt. Comr. Cletus Adole Aruta, the President General of the Omi Ny'Igede Youth Wing Development Association (ONYWDA) Worldwide, the girls embarked on this journey without the knowledge or consent of their parents. In a Facebook post dated Monday, January 26, 2026, Aruta explained that the teenagers used the school fees provided by their families as transportation funds to travel to Abuja.
Upon their arrival in Abuja on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the girls were handed over to a woman for domestic work. However, the situation quickly deteriorated. Alleging severe maltreatment in their madam's house, Elizabeth and Hannah left the residence on Saturday, January 24, 2026. They were subsequently found wandering along Abacha Road in Mararaba and were handed over to the police for safety.
Youth Association's Swift Intervention
The rescue effort was coordinated through the vigilant actions of community members and youth leaders. The individual who discovered the wandering teenagers was a friend to Comrade Agbo Omenka, who then referred the matter to Aruta as the Igede Youth Leader. Aruta promptly contacted the Abuja branch of the ONYWDA, which mobilized to rescue the girls.
Comrade Godwin Onuwa, the Abuja Branch President, played a crucial role by leaving his house late at night and accommodating the children until they could be handed over to the representative of the Itogo Progressive Association, Mr. Elijah Onah Ojeka, in Abuja. This intervention ensured the teenagers' immediate safety and well-being.
Investigation Findings and Future Plans
Following interviews and questioning, it was determined that the girls had traveled to Abuja on their own accord and were not victims of child trafficking, unlike many other cases. Based on this assessment, Aruta directed that they be handed over to the Itogo Association Chairman in Abuja for repatriation to their home community.
The plan is to send the girls back home to either continue their education or learn a handwork skill, as it was noted that they may not be fully prepared for formal schooling. Upon their return, the ONYWDA's Taskforce Committee on Child Trafficking, Drugs and Substance Abuse, led by Comrade Ogbu Lion Ogbu John, will receive them and hand them over to their parents under strict conditions.
Broader Implications and Community Call to Action
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about child welfare and the risks associated with unauthorized travel by minors. Aruta emphasized the importance of community collaboration in combating the evils of child trafficking, drug abuse, and substance abuse in Igede land. He called for joint efforts to create a safer and healthier society for children, underscoring the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The successful rescue of Elizabeth and Hannah serves as a reminder of the critical role that youth associations and community leaders play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. It also underscores the necessity for parental guidance and educational support to deter such risky behaviors among teenagers.
