The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued 19 underaged children trafficked from Kebbi State to Calabar, Cross River State.
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who made the announcement, after he received the rescued children presented by NAPTIP, commended the rescue operation, crediting the success to the collaboration between NAPTIP, Kebbi State Government and other partnering agencies.
The Governor, reaffirmed the state government commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring a safe environment for their growth and development.
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He noted that, the children had been trafficked under the guise of receiving an education, emphasizing Kebbi state government determination to combat human trafficking and exploitation.
While expressing deep sorrow and anger over the children’s ordeal, Governor Idris described the situation as barbaric and inhuman.
The Kebbi State Commander of NAPTIP, Musbahu Kaura, explained that, the traffickers had been transporting the children from Zamfara State to Calaba Cross River state where a tip-off allowed the agency to intercept the children, leading to their rescue.
Kaura revealed that, some of the children had been sexually abused and three suspects were arrested in connection with the case which they would be prosecuted.
Some of the rescued children revealed that, they had been subjected to forced labour, physical and sexual exploitation, as well as psychological trauma.