Taraba Rescues 11 Trafficked Children, Vows Tougher Action Against Offenders The Taraba State Government has vowed to clamp down on human traffickers following the rescue of 11 young men who were being trafficked out of the state under false pretenses. The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen, disclosed this during a press conference in Jalingo on Monday. She said the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). According to her, the victims—10 from Wukari Local Government Area and one from Jalingo—were intercepted on their way to Delta State, where they were promised vocational training and better opportunities. Instead, they were to be subjected to exploitation and abuse. “The trafficking of our children is a crime against humanity, a crime against our families, and a crime against the future of Taraba State,” Sinjen declared. The commissio

 

The Taraba State Government has vowed to clamp down on human traffickers following the rescue of 11 young men who were being trafficked out of the state under false pretenses.

 

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mary Sinjen, disclosed this during a press conference in Jalingo on Monday. She said the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

 

According to her, the victims—10 from Wukari Local Government Area and one from Jalingo—were intercepted on their way to Delta State, where they were promised vocational training and better opportunities. Instead, they were to be subjected to exploitation and abuse.

 

"The trafficking of our children is a crime against humanity, a crime against our families, and a crime against the future of Taraba State," Sinjen declared.

 

The commissioner stressed that the recently assented Taraba State Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Law provides stiff penalties for offenders. She added that parents or guardians who knowingly allow their children to be trafficked will also be prosecuted.

 

"We will not tolerate negligence that endangers the lives of our children," she warned.

 

Hon. Sinjen assured that the rescued youths are now safe, and will be given rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and reintegration with their families. She further called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to be vigilant and help expose traffickers.

 

On behalf of Governor Agbu Kefas and First Lady Agyin Kefas, the commissioner reaffirmed the administration's commitment to protecting children and ensuring traffickers find no safe haven in the state.

 

She announced that the ministry will intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen collaboration with NAPTIP and security agencies, and fully enforce the law "without fear or favor."