Monday, April 7, 2025 - The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have rescued eight trafficked children from Minda Village in Lau Local Government Council.
Briefing
journalists on Friday in Jalingo, the Taraba State Commissioner of Women
Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, said the children were
reportedly deceived and taken to southeastern states in Nigeria.
The
children, according to her, were trafficked to Aba, Onitsha, and Imo states
under false claims that they were orphans.
Authorities
intercepted the traffickers in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Council,
thwarting their illegal operation.
Following
an extensive investigation, the rescued children were reunited with their
biological parents in March 2025.
The
victims confirmed they had been sold without their families’ knowledge.
She
said the swift intervention of the ministry and NAPTIP ensured the safe return
of the eight children to Taraba.
The
principal suspect, identified as Mrs. Patience, along with several accomplices,
has been apprehended and is currently in custody as legal proceedings continue.
According
to the commissioner, efforts are still underway to locate and rescue the
remaining trafficked children.
Condemning
the act, the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, reaffirmed his commitment to
protecting vulnerable children across the state.
Meanwhile, authorities in Taraga have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasising that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility.
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