The Plateau State Government has announced the rescue of 16 children who were being trafficked from Bassa Local Government Area to Anambra State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, revealed this in a statement issued in Jos on Saturday.
She disclosed that the children, aged between four and nine, were intercepted by security operatives as they were being taken to a motor park for onward transportation.
While handing the rescued children over to their families and community leaders at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, Dafur confirmed that those responsible for the trafficking had been arrested and would face prosecution following a thorough investigation.
Dafur described the incident as a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat child trafficking in the state. She reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to protecting vulnerable groups under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s leadership.
“This rescue represents triumph over trauma, resilience, and hope restored in a world where the innocence of childhood should be protected,” she said, urging citizens to remain alert and report suspicious movements.
She further appealed to the public not to ignore cases of child trafficking, emphasizing the need for swift reporting to relevant authorities.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can put an end to child trafficking in Plateau State,” she added.
Receiving the children on behalf of the Bassa LGA chairman, Mrs. Miriam Riti assured that steps had been taken to safeguard the children’s well-being, including medical examinations, school enrollment, and continuous monitoring through community structures.
