The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued five underage children from suspected traffickers in Edo State.
The children were allegedly being taken to the Benin Republic under the guise of securing better educational opportunities for them. The NAPTIP Kebbi State Command rescued the children from a suspected gang leader identified as Pastor Ayuba. He was reportedly transporting them towards the Benin Republic when operatives intercepted him.
NAPTIP Commander in Kebbi State, Misbahu Iya Kaura, disclosed the development on Monday night. He spoke while handing the rescued children over to the Kebbi State Government at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
According to Iya Kaura, the suspect claimed he had obtained consent from the children’s parents. He allegedly told authorities that the children were being taken abroad for school and better educational opportunities. However, the NAPTIP commander warned that traffickers often use similar promises to gain the trust of unsuspecting parents.
“This is how they convince people to carry their children under the pretext of enrolling them in schools abroad, but end up abusing them or putting them into slavery,” he said.
Suspect to Face Charges
Iya Kaura confirmed that the principal suspect had been arrested. He is expected to face charges after investigators complete their work. The rescue has also prompted renewed warnings to parents about child trafficking. Authorities urged families to properly verify anyone offering to take their children outside Nigeria.
Receiving the children on behalf of the Kebbi State Government, Governor Nasir Idris warned parents against such arrangements. The governor was represented by his deputy, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafidan Kabi. He urged parents to exercise caution before allowing anyone to take their children abroad.
He also warned that parents who knowingly facilitate trafficking activities would face the full weight of the law. The deputy governor later reunited the rescued children with their parents.
One of the parents, Emmanuel Aduba, expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government and NAPTIP for rescuing the children.
The case highlights the risks children can face when traffickers disguise exploitation as an opportunity for education abroad. It also underscores the need for parents to verify such offers before handing their children over to third parties.
READ ALSO: https://alo360.net/israeli-settlers-besiege-palestinian-families-west-bank/
