Adamawa Govt Reunite 14 Trafficked Children With Parents In Yola
Ojoma Yusuf ,Yola
Fourteen children who were trafficked from Adamawa State to Anambra state, have been rescued and reunited with their families in a landmark effort by the state government to combat child trafficking.
The children, aged between 4 and 9, were handed over to their parents yesterday at a formal ceremony held in the office of the Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta.
Describing child trafficking as a “monster ravaging the nation,” Farauta said the disturbing trend has placed Adamawa on the map for the wrong reasons.
The rescue followed intelligence reports received in July, which led to an investigation and the arrest of the suspected trafficker, a woman identified as Ngozi Abdulwahab.
She allegedly lured the children using snacks and gifts at her provision shop in Jambutu ward, Yola North Local Government Area, before trafficking them to southeastern Nigeria and selling them for between N800,000 and N1.7 million each.
“These children have gone through unimaginable experiences,” Farauta said during the handover. “We have provided them with medical care, psychological support, and rehabilitation. Today, they are being reunited with their loved ones and returned to the comfort of their homes.”
She assured the public that Abdulwahab will be prosecuted and that the government is determined to clamp down on child trafficking networks in the state.
As part of the reintegration process, the government provided each family with N100,000 in financial support, along with food and non-food relief items. Farauta also revealed plans to assist the families in establishing small-scale businesses to improve their livelihoods.
To ensure the children’s well-being, the Deputy Governor directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and welfare departments in the affected local government areas to conduct regular follow-up visits.
“This government is fully committed to protecting the future of every child in Adamawa State,” Farauta said. “We will not rest until we put an end to child trafficking and ensure justice for the victims.”
