By Henry Agbu, Jalingo

The Taraba State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating child trafficking, exploitation and all forms of abuse against children across the state.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mrs. Mary Sinjen, FCNA, ACTI, stated this at a press conference in Jalingo while briefing the public on the Ministry’s latest intervention against child trafficking.

Mrs. Sinjen disclosed that the Taraba State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), successfully intercepted six children allegedly being trafficked to Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the Commissioner, the suspected trafficker, identified as Nelson Obadiah, 52, a native of Adamawa State, was arrested at Owoniyi Motor Park, Jalingo.¹

The children intercepted were identified as Abigail Yabo, 20; Faith Amos, 11; Paulina Ishaya, 9; Jinko Sunday, 10; Rose Danjuma, 10; and Maryam Istifanus, 8.

The Commissioner emphasized that the intervention underscored the government’s determination to protect children from trafficking, exploitation and abuse.

She stressed that children must never be treated as commodities to be transported from one location to another for exploitation, noting that they represent the future of the state and deserve protection, dignity, safety and opportunities to develop their full potential.

Mrs. Sinjen commended the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his continued support and commitment to the fight against human trafficking and the protection of vulnerable persons in the state.

She also appreciated the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, for her consistent advocacy and efforts toward promoting the welfare and protection of children across Taraba State.

The Commissioner further commended NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police Force, security agencies and other child-protection stakeholders for their vigilance, cooperation and dedication, which she said contributed to the successful intervention.

She noted that the fight against child trafficking goes beyond individual arrests and interceptions, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Mrs. Sinjen assured the public that the Ministry would continue to work with relevant agencies to identify trafficking networks, protect victims and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

She called on parents, guardians and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements of children, recruitment, transportation or other activities that may indicate trafficking or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.

Reiterating the government’s position, the Commissioner declared: “We will not look away. We will not remain silent. We will not allow our children to be trafficked.”

She called for collective action to strengthen the fight against child trafficking and build a society where every child is protected, valued and given the opportunity to grow, learn and fulfil their potential.

Mrs. Sinjen concluded by reaffirming that the fight against child trafficking remains ongoing, assuring that the Taraba State Government, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, is determined to win the battle.

1. ↩︎