Eight Trafficked Children Rescued by Taraba Government and NAPTIP.

The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, working with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully rescued eight children who were trafficked from Minda Village in Lau Local Government Area.

According to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the children were lured under the false pretense that they were orphans and were taken to southeastern states, including Aba, Onitsha, and Imo.

The traffickers were intercepted in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, preventing their illegal activities from continuing.

After a thorough investigation, the children were reunited with their biological parents in March 2025, with the victims confirming that they had been sold without their families’ knowledge. The principal suspect, identified as Mrs. Patience, along with several accomplices, has been arrested, and legal proceedings are underway.

The commissioner added that efforts are still in progress to locate and rescue other trafficked children.

In response, the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, condemned the trafficking and reiterated his commitment to protecting vulnerable children in the state.

Authorities have also urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities, stressing that ensuring the safety of children is a shared responsibility.