The Taraba State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued eight children who were being trafficked out of the state.
The children were intercepted in Gembu, the headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area.
According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mary Sinjen, the victims were taken from Minda, a remote village in Lau Local Government Area.
The commissioner revealed that the traffickers were attempting to abduct more children when they were intercepted.
The principal suspect, Mrs. Patience, and several of her collaborators have been arrested and are currently in custody, pending legal proceedings.
The state government assured that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate other trafficked children.
“Following swift action by the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State.
“The principal suspect, Mrs Patience, along with several of her collaborators, has been arrested and is currently in custody while legal proceedings are ongoing.
“Search and rescue operations are also continuing for other trafficked children,” the commissioner said.
Sinjen emphasised that the state government will not tolerate child trafficking and has pledged to ensure justice, rehabilitate victims, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to combat the crime.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, stressing that the welfare and protection of children is a shared responsibility.
