The Plateau State Government has rescued 16 children trafficked from Bassa Local Government Area to Anambra State and reunited them with their families.
Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, announced the development in Jos, explaining that the children, aged between four and nine, were freed and the suspect responsible for the trafficking has been arrested.
Dafur described the rescue as a major milestone in the state’s campaign against child trafficking.
“This rescue represents triumph over trauma, resilience, and hope restored in a world where the innocence of childhood should be protected,” she said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to defending the rights of vulnerable groups.
She also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“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 Bassa LGA, the wife of the council chairman, Miriam Riti, assured that measures had been put in place to safeguard their welfare, including medical checks, school enrolment, and community-based monitoring.
One of the parents, Mrs. Asabe Agidi, thanked the government for rescuing her daughter, explaining that she had been deceived into believing the child was being taken away for a better life.
“I am grateful to have my daughter back, and I will take care of her with the little I have,” she said.
The handover ceremony was held at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, attended by families of the rescued children and community representatives.
