The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has reunited 10 trafficked minors with their families.
In a statement on Tuesday in Jalingo, Bako Amos, commander of NAPTIP in Taraba, said the rescue of the trafficked minors was in collaboration with the Taraba Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development.
He said that the 10 victims of human trafficking were intercepted along with their trafficker on January 31, at Kurmi Park, Jalingo, while on their way to Baisa, the headquarters of Kurma LGA.
The commander said that the victims, after counselling, were handed over to Mary Sinjen, commissioner for women’s affairs and child development, on February 2, for them to be reunited with their families.
Mr Amos further emphasised the dangers associated with irregular migration of persons, particularly underage children.
He said that the trafficking of children without the consent of their parents on the pretext of providing them with a better life or job opportunities was a serious offence.
The NAPTIP commander said that, though unsuspecting parents and guardians are promised a better life for their children and wards, the victims are, however, taken outside the country and exploited as labourers and prostitutes.
Mr Amos advised parents in the state to refrain from handing their children over to traffickers who promise to reduce their hardship.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting Nigerians against trafficking.
“It’s not going to be business as usual for the traffickers in Taraba state,” said Mr Amos.
(NAN)
