The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, have rescued eight trafficked children from Minda Village in Lau Local Government Area of the state.
Briefing newsmen on Friday, 4 April, 2025 in Jalingo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, said the children were lured and trafficked to southeastern Nigeria under false claims that they were orphans.
“These innocent children were deceitfully taken away from their homes and trafficked to Aba, Onitsha, and parts of Imo State.
“The traffickers claimed they were orphans, but investigations revealed otherwise,” she said.
According to Sinjen, the illegal operation was intercepted in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, following intelligence reports.
“Our team, in collaboration with NAPTIP, acted swiftly and successfully rescued the children before they could be further exploited. The traffickers were intercepted in Gembu while attempting to move more victims,” she added.
She further disclosed that after thorough investigations, the children were safely reunited with their biological parents in March 2025.
“One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this case is that the victims confirmed they were sold without the knowledge or consent of their families,” the commissioner noted.
The principal suspect, identified as Mrs. Patience, along with several accomplices, has since been arrested and is currently in custody pending prosecution.
“We will not rest until every child involved in this criminal network is rescued, and all those responsible are brought to justice,” Sinjen vowed.
Condemning the act, Governor Agbu Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for human trafficking and child abuse.
“Every child in Taraba matters, and we will continue to do everything within our power to protect them from harm. This government is committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable among us,” the governor said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the ministry and security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements within their communities.
“Safeguarding our children is a collective responsibility. We urge all residents to speak up when they see something unusual,” Sinjen appealed.
