The Taraba State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully rescued eight trafficked children who were being transported out of the state.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mary Sinjen, disclosed this on Friday during a reunion event that brought the children back to their families.
According to Sinjen, the children were abducted from Minda, a remote village in Lau Local Government Area, and were intercepted in Gembu, the headquarters of Sardauna LGA. The traffickers were allegedly in Gembu to target more children for abduction when they were caught.
“Following swift action by the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State,” she said.
She further confirmed that the prime suspect, identified as Mrs. Patience, and several accomplices had been arrested and were currently in custody. Legal proceedings against them have begun, and search efforts are ongoing to rescue more trafficked children.
Condemning the act, Sinjen stated, “The state government will not tolerate unscrupulous individuals violating the rights of children in pursuit of illicit wealth.”
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, victim rehabilitation, and stronger inter-agency cooperation in tackling child trafficking. She also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“The welfare and protection of our children is a shared responsibility,” she emphasized.
