Plateau rescues 18 trafficked children in Anambra

The Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the state police command in Jos, has successfully rescued 18 children who were trafficked to Anambra State. According to the State Ministry of Women Affairs, the victims were taken under the guise of ‘vulnerable support’ by the traffickers, who […]

The Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the state police command in Jos, has successfully rescued 18 children who were trafficked to Anambra State.

According to the State Ministry of Women Affairs, the victims were taken under the guise of ‘vulnerable support’ by the traffickers, who are vowing to prosecute the perpetrators.

State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Dafur, who disclosed the development, added that the children, who hail from Bassa local government area, were lured with promises of education and vocational training but were exploited for financial gain.

She explained that the victims were rescued following the escape of two victims, prompting the authorities to launch an investigation, which led to the arrest of the kingpin and her agents who allegedly had harbored 25 children from Plateau and other states, and changed their names and identities to conceal their origins.

The Commissioner, during the handing over of the victims to the government, emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring parents take responsibility for their wards.

“The state will enforce tougher oversight and stronger welfare protections for vulnerable families. So far, 16 of the Plateau children have been repatriated and will undergo psychosocial therapy before being reintegrated into school. The Ministry, with the Local Government authorities, will ensure modalities for their safety, to avoid a reoccurrence and support the vulnerable families,” the commissioner said.