Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued a lady 20 years after she was trafficked at the age of six.
The Benin zonal commander of NAPTIP, Ijeoma Uduak, said the victim was taken from Idu Uruan, Akwa Ibom State to Edo State by a woman who gave her out to another person.
She was reunited with her mother on Saturday at Idu Uruan.
Uduak said “Prosecution is ongoing to ensure that justice prevails. Our task here is to fulfil part of our mandate as an agency that is against human trafficking, and one that rescues and reunites victims with their families.
“This victim was taken away from the classroom at the age of six. She had no contact with her family for several years.
“Her captor must have used all manner of tricks to deceive the young and innocent mind. Today, we celebrate breakthrough and freedom.”
She urged members of the public to give the agency information that will assist the agency in identifying cases of human trafficking.
“When you give us reliable information, we assure you of being protected,” Uduak said.
The zonal commander advised parents to avoid producing more children than they can care for, warning that “unplanned parenthood has led to increased child labour.”
Expressing joy at her daughter’s return, the victim’s mother commended the federal government and NAPTIP for their commitment toward tackling human trafficking.
“Our belief at home was that she is dead. Nobody believed that we shall meet her again. We are thankful to God Almighty,” she said.
On his part, the village head of Idu Uruan, Godwin Okoho, said the victim’s return was a good omen for the community.
“We are very happy. This development shows that we still have functional government institutions,” he said.
“Her return and reunion with her family is a thing of joy to the community.”
