NAPTIP, Taraba Gov’t Reunite 10 Trafficked Children with Families
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, has reunited 10 trafficked children with their biological families in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The children were rescued on Saturday after NAPTIP operatives intercepted a suspected trafficker transporting them at the Kurmi Motor Park in Jalingo.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Taraba State Commander of NAPTIP, Bako Amos, said the victims were formally handed over to their parents on Monday, February 2.
According to Amos, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Eric Juyo, visited the NAPTIP command to receive the children and engage them in discussions aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding their illegal movement from their communities to an unknown destination.
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He said the interaction was also designed to assess the challenges confronting the minors and to propose lasting solutions through policy formulation and effective implementation to curb human trafficking and irregular migration involving children.
NAPTIP warned that the unauthorized movement of minors, often carried out without parental consent or under false promises of better opportunities, exposes children to severe risks, including exploitation and abuse.
The agency cautioned parents and guardians against handing over their children to traffickers under the guise of economic relief, noting that such actions place minors in grave danger.
Amos reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficking victims, stressing that all individuals found culpable would be prosecuted.
“It will not be business as usual for traffickers in Taraba State. Anyone found responsible will be made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He added that the 10 children were counselled before being reunited with their families.
NAPTIP also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity involving minors to relevant security agencies.
By PRNigeria
