The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully reunited eight trafficked children with their parents after they were deceitfully taken to southeastern Nigeria.
The children, all from Minda village in Lau Local Government Area, were lured from their community under the false pretense that they were orphans and subsequently trafficked to cities such as Aba, Onitsha, and Imo.
While briefing journalists in Jalingo, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen, disclosed that the children were intercepted in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, during a covert operation following intelligence reports.
“These children were taken from their homes with deceitful promises and sold off to unsuspecting individuals who believed they were adopting orphans,” Sinjen said. “Our investigation, with the support of NAPTIP, led to the rescue and safe return of the children to their families.”
She condemned the act and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Taraba State Commandant of NAPTIP, Mr. Emos Gembo, revealed that the principal suspect, identified as Patience, confessed to trafficking the children for amounts ranging from N50,000 to N80,000 depending on their age.
Gembo stated that the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged accordingly. “This is a clear case of child trafficking, and we will ensure that justice is served. We urge parents and guardians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities,” he emphasized.
