The Niger State Government has rescued 21 underage children who were being transported for human trafficking from Magama Local Government Area to Mali and Niger Republic.
The children were intercepted at Gaidam in Yobe State, and the mastermind behind the trafficking, Mallam Abubakar, has been apprehended.
According to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the children were being taken to Mali and Niger Republic for forced labor and abuse.
Garba emphasized that human trafficking is a heinous crime that goes against the principles of humanity and brotherhood.
He assured that the state government will provide protection to its citizens against all forms of trafficking, violence, and oppression.
According to him, the parents of the rescued children will be questioned to determine their involvement in the trafficking. If found guilty, they will face the consequences as per the law.
The deputy governor stated that the state government will conduct further investigations to uncover other perpetrators involved in the trafficking ring.
Garba thanked the Federal Government, human trafficking agencies, and state security agencies for their support in rescuing the children.
The chairman of Magama local government, Mallam Sufianu Ibeto, also confirmed the development.
One of the parents, Jamilu Usman, claimed that Mallam Abubakar was a trusted individual who had promised to provide Islamic education to the children in Niger Republic.
However, it is unclear whether the parents were aware of the true intentions of Mallam Abubakar.
