The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued five underage children who were allegedly being taken to the Benin Republic under the guise of securing better educational opportunities for them.
The children were rescued in Edo State from a suspected trafficking ring while they were allegedly being transported towards the Benin Republic.
The NAPTIP Commander in Kebbi State, Misbahu Iya Kaura, disclosed that the suspect claimed he had obtained the consent of the children’s parents to take them abroad for schooling.
According to the agency, however, traffickers often use promises of better education and opportunities abroad to gain the trust of unsuspecting parents before exposing children to exploitation.
The principal suspect, identified as Pastor Ayuba, has been arrested and is expected to face prosecution after investigations are completed.
The rescued children were handed over to the Kebbi State Government before being reunited with their parents.
Receiving the children on behalf of the state government, Governor Nasir Idris urged parents to thoroughly verify anyone offering to take their children outside the country for educational purposes.
The governor also warned that parents who knowingly facilitate child trafficking would face the full weight of the law.
NAPTIP’s intervention highlights the continuing need for vigilance against schemes that use education and other promises as a cover for child trafficking.
