The Plateau State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has announced the rescue of 16 children who were being trafficked from Bassa Local Government Area of the state to Anambra State.
The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, who disclosed this in a statement in Jos on Saturday, said the children – who are between the ages of four and nine – were rescued by security personnel as they were being taken to a motor park for the onward journey to their destination.
The commissioner, while handing over the children to their respective families and community representatives at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, said the suspects behind the dastardly act have been arrested and will be prosecuted after thorough investigation has been carried out.
Dafur, who described the rescue of the trafficked children as a significant step in the fight against child trafficking in the state, emphasized that the Governor Caleb Mutfwang administration is fully committed to defending the rights of the vulnerable.
“This rescue represents triumph over trauma, resilience, and hope restored in a world where the innocence of childhood should be protected,” Dafur said while calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
She also urged the public not to remain silent whenever they see a case of child trafficking and to promptly report to security agencies.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can put an end to child trafficking in Plateau State,” she pleaded.
Wife of the Bassa LGA chairman, Mrs Miriam Riti, who received the children on behalf of her husband, said measures had been taken to ensure their well-being, including medical checks, school enrollment and monitoring, through community leaders.
