The mindboggling harvesting of human parts while they are alive is taking a new twist in Benue State. Recent reports of chilling incidents indicate that the perpetrators of organ harvesting have found safe haven in Benue state, where they have gone steps ahead of law enforcers. Sultan Rabiu reviews the strategies (how they lure their unsuspecting victims) of the criminals in this special feature.
Vulnerable Victims
Organ harvesting is a brutal practice involving the illegal extraction of organs, typically from unsuspecting or vulnerable individuals, to be sold on the black market.
In many cases, these organs are sold to those in need of transplants, making organ trafficking an industry driven by profit and desperation.
Due to its clandestine nature, organ trafficking frequently targets individuals from marginalized or unsuspecting communities, often leaving them dead or mutilated.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a worrying surge in such cases, with Benue State emerging as a hotspot for organ trafficking operations.
The illegal trade is frequently disguised, with criminals using tactics designed to lure potential victims into a false sense of security.
The 24 Hours Road Accident Victims Support Initiative (TRAVSI), a Nigerian NGO dedicated to supporting accident victims, recently shed light on the chilling tactics used by organ traffickers in Benue State.
At a town hall meeting organized by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Makurdi, the capital of Benue, TRAVSI’s founder and CEO, Gaddafi Asemenya, revealed these schemes to an audience of concerned stakeholders, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and safety.
New Tactics of Organ Harvesters Uncovered:
During the meeting, Asemenya detailed a disturbing new method adopted by organ traffickers: using flashy, high-end vehicles to stage intentional accidents with unsuspecting pedestrians or motorbike riders.
This tactic allows criminals to appear as concerned citizens or “Good Samaritans,” offering transport to the injured victims. Under the guise of helping them reach a hospital, the victims are instead taken to undisclosed locations where their organs are harvested.
“These criminals use flashy vehicles to intentionally hit pedestrians or motorbike riders,” Asemenya explained, emphasizing the calculated nature of these incidents. “Instead of taking them to hospitals for treatment, they divert the victims to hidden locations where their organs are harvested,” he said.
After the harvesting, the criminals abandon the victims’ bodies in remote or secluded areas. The increasing frequency of these incidents in Benue State has raised grave concerns among local residents and authorities.
Recent Cases of Organ Trafficking in Benue
Asemenya’s presentation at the town hall included a number of specific cases that illustrate the brutality and cunning of these organ trafficking syndicates:
Achusa Village Incident: Asemenya described a particularly distressing case in Achusa village, Makurdi, where the body of a victim was discovered wrapped in a hotel blanket after having been harvested for organs.
The nature of the victim’s death and the callous manner in which the body was disposed of has struck fear in the community. “This was not just a crime but a deeply dehumanizing act,” Asemenya commented.
Welfare Quarters Tragedy: Another incident involved a young girl who was initially abducted. According to Asemenya, her captors broke her legs before extracting her organs, and later disposed of her body in the Welfare Quarters area of Makurdi.
“This shows the level of cruelty and disregard for human life displayed by these criminals,” he added. “It’s a warning to all of us that this can happen to anyone if we aren’t vigilant.”
Godwin Obite’s Close Call: In another shocking case, a man named Godwin Obite was abducted in Abuja by suspected organ traffickers and taken to Makurdi.
Fortunately, Obite escaped this horrifying fate due to an unexpected turn of events. During the #EndBadGovernance protests, heightened security presence spooked the kidnappers, who then abandoned Obite.
“He was rescued when the criminals, spooked by security operations, fled the scene,” Asemenya shared, underscoring the importance of timely security interventions.
These cases highlight the ongoing threat to both residents of Benue State and those traveling through the area.
Asemenya urged the public to stay vigilant and emphasized the need for a collective response to stop the spread of organ trafficking.
Law Enforcement Response and Court Cases
The troubling pattern of organ trafficking in Benue State has attracted the attention of law enforcement, leading to arrests and legal proceedings.
A case of organ harvesting also occurred which involved a 20-year-old man, Aondoaseer Agbadu, who was accused of luring a young person for the purpose of organ harvesting.
Inspector Godwin Ato, the prosecuting officer, explained that Agbadu allegedly conspired with others to lure 17-year-old Terungwa Swati from Aliade to Abuja under false pretenses.
Once in Abuja, Terungwa’s kidney was allegedly harvested and sold
“The investigation revealed that, Agbadu, along with others still at large, lured 17-year-old Terungwa to Abuja under false pretenses, where his kidney was harvested and sold without consent,” Inspector Ato said. “This act contravenes Sections 27 and 20 (1), (2), and (3) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
Safety Tips for the Public:
In light of these incidents, FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal Yusuf Haruna Mcilt advised the public to be cautious in emergency situations, particularly at accident scenes.
“People should be cautious and not allow unknown individuals to transport victims to hospitals,” Mcilt warned.
He explained that only trusted and verifiable emergency personnel, such as FRSC officers, should be relied upon to transport accident victims, as they ensure victims are taken to legitimate healthcare facilities.
To minimize the risk of falling victim to these organ traffickers, authorities recommend the following safety measures:
Stay Cautious in Public Places: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers, especially in remote areas.
In the Event of an Accident, Call Emergency Services: If someone is injured, contact emergency services directly. Authorities advise against letting unverified individuals transport accident victims.
Rely on Verified Assistance: The FRSC and other emergency responders are trained to transport victims safely to reputable healthcare facilities.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you witness an accident and suspect foul play, report the incident to local law enforcement.
A Call for Vigilance and Community Action
Asemenya emphasized that the rising cases of organ trafficking are a warning to the entire community.
“There is an urgent need for security agencies to step up their efforts to combat this growing threat and protect the lives of young people in particular,” he stated.
He encouraged everyone to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behavior, and work together to protect those who may be vulnerable to these criminal networks.
The rise of organ harvesting incidents in Benue State highlights a disturbing trend in Nigeria. This calls for a united response from law enforcement, public awareness, and collective vigilance, ensuring that communities are not only informed but actively engaged in preventing these heinous crimes.
