Niger State Government Announces Rescue of 21 Children from Human Traffickers
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna
In a significant development, the Niger State Government has announced the rescue of 21 underage children from a human trafficking syndicate operating in the Magama Local Government Area.
Comrade Yakubu Garba, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, announced this breakthrough during a press briefing in Minna on Wednesday, expressing both shock and dismay regarding the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation.
The victims, all young boys with an average age of 10, hail from Magama Local Government Area.
Garba revealed that a suspect linked to the trafficking scheme was apprehended in Geidam, Yobe State, while in the process of transporting the children to Niger Republic.
He underscored that human trafficking constitutes a violation of Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which enshrines respect for human dignity.
The Deputy Governor described human trafficking as a glaring example of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man, subjecting victims to exploitative situations such as forced labor, prostitution, and organ harvesting.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government in combating human trafficking, particularly in the context of rising violence and terrorism.
Garba assured that the state government will adopt a decisive approach to address this issue and restore peace and dignity to affected communities.
He called upon council chairmen, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, he warned that parents who facilitate human trafficking are likely to face serious consequences.
The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, security agencies, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their crucial roles in apprehending suspects and facilitating the return of victims to the state.
