By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbl
In a bold move to combat human trafficking, the Kebbi State Government has reunited nine rescued children with their parents, vowing to prosecute those involved in the heinous crime. The children were among 19 rescued from traffickers who had deceived their parents into releasing them for schooling purposes in Gusau, only to sell them into slavery in Calabar.
According to Misbahu Iya Kaura, Head of NAPTIP in Kebbi State, the traffickers have agents in Zuru Emirate who deceive parents into releasing their children. "Unfortunately, from Gusau, the children are trafficked to Calabar, sold into slavery between N280,000 and above, while the buyers change the names of the children to avoid detection," he explained.
Governor Nasir Idris has directed NAPTIP to sustain its enlightenment program against child and human trafficking. "I am also warning parents seriously not to be accomplices in child trafficking," he said. "Any parent found to surrender his/her children for monetary benefits will face prosecution in court of law."
The governor announced that the government will provide N100,000 cash to each of the nine children, while their parents and the District Head will also receive assistance to travel back to their homes. He also directed the Secretary to the State Government to include NAPTIP among the beneficiaries of the monthly allowances provided to security agencies for operational functions.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort between NAPTIP and partner agencies, and Governor Nasir Idris expressed gratitude to the agencies involved. The Kebbi State Government's efforts to combat human trafficking are a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to those involved in this nefarious crime.
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Crimes News