The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has successfully intercepted 19 Children, between the ages of three and six years old, trafficked in batches across Statelines from Kebbi to Calabar, Cross River State Capital.
Confirming the rescue of the Children Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State during a press briefing at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, disclosed that one of the traffickers was apprehended by NAPTIP, and has confessed to transporting some of the children to Calabar, and aided the agency in locating the remaining victims.
He added that according to the information received, the other children were rescued from the traffickers in Calabar, and three suspects arrested.
The traffickers transported the children to Calabar under the pretence of providing education.
Some of them were sexually abused and subjected to other heinous acts, the arrested traffickers stated.
Governor Idris has however assured Nigerians that the Government would support the children through their trauma and ensure the suspects are prosecuted and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“It’s heartbreaking for these children to be in such circumstances. We cannot comprehend why such things are happening in our state. We were informed that the children had suffered sexual abuse,” he said.
Misbau Iyan Kaura, NAPTIP Commander, Kebbi State Command explained that the traffickers typically moved the children to a hideout in Zamfara State before transferring them to Calabar.
He said NAPTIP team intercepted the last group of children, which led to the rescue of others in Calabar, following a tip-off,” he said.
“Investigations revealed that some of the children were sexually abused. Three individuals have been arrested, and we will ensure their prosecution”, Kaura said.
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