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Nineteen Children Trafficked From Kebbi Rescued In Cross River
We were informed that the children had suffered sexual abuse.
Birni-Kebbi, Kebbi State– At least nineteen children trafficked from Kebbi State have been rescued in Calabar, Cross River State.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) successfully intercepted the children, aged between 3 and 6, as they were being moved in batches across state lines.
Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State confirmed the rescue during a press briefing at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
He disclosed that one of the traffickers, apprehended by NAPTIP, had confessed to earlier transporting some of the children to Calabar, aiding the agency in locating the remaining victims.
He added that according to the information received, the other children were rescued from the traffickers in Calabar, and three suspects were arrested.
“The traffickers transported the children to Calabar under the pretense of providing education. Some of them were sexually abused and subjected to other heinous acts,” he stated.
The governor assured that the government would support the children through their trauma and ensure the suspects are prosecuted.
“It’s heartbreaking for these children to be in such circumstances. We cannot comprehend why such things are happening in our state. We were informed that the children had suffered sexual abuse,” he said.
Speaking to journalists, the state Commander of NAPTIP, Misbau Iyan Kaura, explained that the traffickers typically moved the children to a hideout in Zamfara State before transferring them to Calabar.
“Our team intercepted the last group of children, which led to the rescue of others in Calabar, following a tip-off,” he said.
“Investigations revealed that some of the children were sexually abused. Three individuals have been arrested, and we will ensure their prosecution.”