The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued nine children from traffickers out of 19 recently in Zuru town of Kebbi State.
The children, who were taken from their parents in Zuru Emirate under the guise of receiving education in Gusau, were trafficked and sold into slavery in Calabar.
Misbahu Iya Kaura, NAPTIP’s Head in Kebbi State, brought the children before Governor Nasiru Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, on Friday, where the children were subsequently reunited with their parents at the Council Chamber.
Kaura revealed that the Agency had rescued all 19 children from Calabar and other locations in the Niger Delta, apprehending those involved in the abduction.
He explained that the nine children presented to the governor had testified in court and sought permission to be reunited with their parents.
“Your Excellency, the investigation shows that human traffickers have agents in Zuru who deceive parents into releasing their children for supposed schooling in Gusau.
“From there, the children are trafficked to Calabar and sold into slavery for amounts starting from N280,000. The buyers even change the children’s names to evade detection,” e said.
He commended Governor Idris for donating an operational vehicle to NAPTIP and appealed for the inclusion of the Agency in the monthly allowances provided to other security outfits.
In his response, Governor Nasir Idris condemned child trafficking and directed NAPTIP to intensify enlightenment campaigns against the crime.
He warned that the government would prosecute all perpetrators, including parents complicit in such acts.
“I strongly warn parents against being accomplices in child trafficking. Any parent found guilty of surrendering their children for monetary gain will face legal action,” Governor Idris declared.
As an immediate intervention, the governor announced a cash donation of N100,000 for each of the nine children and additional assistance for their parents and the District Head to facilitate their return home.
He also directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to include NAPTIP among the security agencies receiving monthly operational allowances.
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