After being forcibly transferred to Delta State on the pretense of receiving vocational training, eleven children from Taraba State have been saved.  One youngster is from the state capital of Jalingo, while the other ten are from the Wukari local government council.  

The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development, Mary Sinjen, announced the rescue during a press briefing over the weekend. She called the incident a “sad and alarming case of child trafficking” that was quickly stopped before the children could be exploited.

“This is a painful reminder of the threats our children face. But thanks to prompt intervention, these children were saved before harm could come to them,” she stated.

Under the direction of Governor Agbu Kefas, Sinjen informed the populace that the state administration is dedicated to safeguarding children.  

She cited the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Bill's recent enactment as a significant turning point in the war on human trafficking.

“Traffickers will face severe punishment under this new law, and parents who allow or facilitate the trafficking of their children will also be held accountable,” she said.

The commissioner underlined that children should be viewed as the state's future rather than as commodities.  

In order to guarantee a zero tolerance approach to child trafficking in Taraba, she reiterated her ministry's dedication to collaborating closely with NAPTIP, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and other partners.

Source