The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons successfully intercepted 12 trafficked children en route to Lagos State. The victims, aged between 10 and 23 years, were rescued in Abuja and subsequently handed over to the Nasarawa State government.

NAPTIP’s head of operations in the state, Moses Unongo, revealed that the victims were lured by a cleric from Ninghar village in Akwanga local government area of Nasarawa.

The cleric allegedly enticed them with promises of lucrative jobs in Lagos and quality education, particularly for the minors among them.

Unongo emphasized the ongoing investigations to unravel more details about the perpetrator. He urged parents to educate their children about the perils of trafficking, expressing NAPTIP’s dedication to public awareness to prevent individuals from falling victim to trafficking.

“We are committed to sensitizing the public about the dangers of trafficking,” Unongo affirmed.

Aisha Rufai Ibrahim, the commissioner for women affairs and social development in Nasarawa State, received the rescued victims on behalf of the state government. Commending NAPTIP for its efforts in combating trafficking, Rufai reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on trafficking.

She highlighted the state’s proactive measures, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition bill, aimed at curbing the activities of traffickers. The bill serves as a significant step in the state’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.