NAPTIP, Taraba govt return 10 trafficked children to families

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reunited 10 trafficked minors with their families.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Jalingo, Mr. Bako Amos, Commander of NAPTIP, Taraba Command, said that rescue of the trafficked minors was in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development.

He said that the 10 victims of human trafficking were intercepted along with their trafficker on Jan. 31, at Kurmi Park, Jalingo, Taraba, while on their way to Baisa, the headquarters of Kurma local government area.

The commander said that the the victims after counselling were handed over to Mrs. Mary Sinjen, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, on Feb. 2, for them to be reunited with their families.

Amos further emphasized the dangers associated with irregular migration of persons, particularly under-age children.
He said that the trafficking of children without the consent of their parents on the pretext of providing them better life or job opportunities was a serious offence..

The NAPTIP commander said that though unsuspecting parents and guardians are promised better life for their children and wards, the victims are however conveyed outside the country and exploited as labourers and prostitutes.

Amos advised parents in the state to refrain from handing their children over to traffickers who promise to reduce their hardship.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protection of Nigerians against trafficking, stressing “it’s not going to be business as usual for the traffickers in Taraba State”.