On Tuesday, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced the successful rescue of 14 children who were trafficked from Plateau to Lagos State.

Additionally, the Plateau State Government revealed that they recently rescued seven children trafficked to Edo and Lagos states.

The commandant of NAPTIP in Plateau State, Adole Agada, handed over the rescued children to the state government in Jos. Agada explained that the children, aged between 13 and 17, were rescued based on information received from a reliable informant.

Agada described the situation as a case of child labor and exploitation, noting that the rescued children originated from the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation was initiated after receiving a tip about three underage girls being taken from Plateau to Lagos. NAPTIP’s investigation led to the arrest of Amina Sadique, who had come to collect the three girls at the park. Further investigations resulted in the rescue of the additional 14 young girls and boys.

According to Agada, the rescued children were predominantly employed as domestic workers, salesgirls, and boys. He expressed concern over the increasing incidence of internal and external trafficking within the state.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Caroline Dafur, received the children on behalf of the state government. She described the situation as distressing and alarming. This marked the third time she had received rescued children since assuming office.

Dafur assured that the state government would enroll the children in schools and skill acquisition programs to empower them and contribute positively to their families and communities. The commissioner also stated that the children would undergo thorough medical examinations.

Musa Ashoms, the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communications, pledged to intensify awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities, to combat human trafficking. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate parents jeopardizing the future of their children due to ignorance or poverty.

The collaborative efforts between NAPTIP and the Plateau State Government aim to address the rising menace of human trafficking and protect the welfare of children within the state.