The Plateau State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has confirmed the rescue of 16 children who were being trafficked from Bassa Local Government Area of the state to Anambra State.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur, revealed in a statement on Saturday in Jos that the children, aged between four and nine, were intercepted by security operatives as they were being moved 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, the commissioner explained that the perpetrators of the act had been arrested and would face prosecution after a full investigation.
Dafur described the rescue as a crucial milestone in the battle against child trafficking in the state, stressing that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration is firmly dedicated to protecting vulnerable groups.
“This rescue represents triumph over trauma, resilience, and hope restored in a world where the innocence of childhood should be protected,” Dafur said, urging citizens to stay alert and report suspicious movements.
She further called on residents not to keep quiet whenever cases of child trafficking are noticed but to immediately notify security agencies.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can put an end to child trafficking in Plateau State,” she appealed.
Wife of the Bassa LGA chairman, Mrs Miriam Riti, who received the children on behalf of her husband, assured that arrangements had been made for their welfare, including medical examination, school placement, and community-level supervision.
