The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) successfully reunited nine out of the 19 children rescued from their abductors with their families in Kebbi State. The handover took place at the Government House, with the Governor of Kebbi, Nasir Idris, present. The children, who had been trafficked from various regions, including Calabar and parts of the Niger Delta, had been sold into slavery for amounts starting at N280,000. The traffickers had reportedly deceived the children’s parents, promising education opportunities in Gusau, Zamfara, before smuggling the children to Calabar.
NAPTIP arrested the traffickers and buyers, and the case is currently in court. The agency’s investigation revealed that the traffickers had agents in Zuru who convinced parents to release their children for schooling, only for them to be trafficked and sold into slavery.
The governor commended NAPTIP for their efforts and pledged support, announcing a cash donation of N100,000 for each child, as well as assistance for the parents and the district head to return home. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to prosecuting anyone involved in child trafficking, including parents who may be complicit. Furthermore, the governor urged NAPTIP to continue its awareness campaigns on child and human trafficking and directed the inclusion of NAPTIP in the State Government’s monthly security allowances for operational support.
