The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued eight trafficked children from Minda Village in Lau Local Government Area.
At a press briefing on Friday in Jalingo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, explained that the children had been lured to southeastern Nigeria under false pretenses, with traffickers claiming they were orphans.
“These children were deceitfully taken from their homes and trafficked to Aba, Onitsha, and parts of Imo State. The traffickers falsely claimed they were orphans, but investigations revealed otherwise,” she said.
Sinjen revealed that the illegal operation was intercepted in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, after intelligence reports were received.
“Our team, working alongside NAPTIP, acted quickly and successfully rescued the children before they could be further exploited. The traffickers were caught in Gembu while attempting to transport more victims,” she added.
After thorough investigation, the children were safely reunited with their biological parents in March 2025. Sinjen also shared the heartbreaking news that the victims confirmed they were sold without their families’ knowledge or consent.
The main suspect, Mrs. Patience, and several accomplices have been arrested and are in custody pending prosecution. “We will not rest until every child involved in this criminal network is rescued, and all responsible parties are brought to justice,” Sinjen stated.
Governor Agbu Kefas condemned the act, reiterating his administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on human trafficking and child abuse. “Every child in Taraba matters, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect them from harm. This government is dedicated to safeguarding our most vulnerable,” he affirmed in a statement.
The ministry and security agencies have called on residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities. “Protecting our children is a shared responsibility. We urge everyone to speak up if they notice anything unusual,” Sinjen appealed.