Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has reunited five underage children rescued from suspected human traffickers with their parents in Birnin-Kebbi, emphasizing the need for heightened parental vigilance and government action against child trafficking. The children were intercepted while being transported from Kebbi South Senatorial District to Edo State, allegedly under false pretenses of enrollment in modern schools. The rescue operation was carried out by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which arrested five suspects, with one still at large.
The handover ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who reprimanded the parents and urged them to be more cautious about allowing strangers to take their children. He stressed that parents must not let their wards travel to unknown destinations under the guise of better educational opportunities. Governor Idris, through his representative, reiterated that responsible parenting includes safeguarding children from exploitation and warned that the state government would hold accountable any parent who neglects this duty.
According to Malam Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the children were released to their families in Birnin-Kebbi after thorough verification. The State Commandant of NAPTIP, Misbau Iya Kaura, revealed that the children were taken from Danko-Wasagu and Zuru Local Government Areas under misleading promises of improved schooling. The trafficking ring was disrupted in Gusau, Zamfara State, where the children were found during transit. Iya Kaura called on the Kebbi State Government to provide adequate facilities within NAPTIP’s premises to shelter rescued victims during ongoing investigations.
Yakubu Bala Tafida, Secretary to the State Government, affirmed the administration’s full support for efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities in preventing such crimes. The incident underscores the persistent threat of child trafficking in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where misinformation and poverty can make families susceptible to exploitation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by human trafficking networks operating across state lines. As authorities continue to investigate and apprehend those involved, the government’s commitment to protecting children remains a critical priority. The successful rescue and reunification of these children highlight the importance of vigilance, public awareness, and coordinated law enforcement in combating this heinous crime. Moving forward, sustained efforts will be needed to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of every child in Kebbi State and beyond.
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