Some of the children intercepted by NAPTIP.
Jamilu (Headmaster): Two of my children are among the 21. I will be paying N35, 000 each monthly for their upkeep
By Mohammed Usman
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) has intercepted and repatriated 21 children, aged between seven and 15 years, who were about being ferried to neighbouring countries.
This is coming on the heels of Niger state government’s call for vigilance among stakeholders to check unwholesome tendencies of groups hiding under religion to commit crimes against humanity, under-aged children in particular.
Addressing journalists on the clampdown, Deputy Governor of Niger state, Comrade Yakubu, disclosed that the children were intercepted on Wednesday.
He said that the state government was taken aback discovering that the trafficking was masterminded by some Nigerlites from Magama Local Government Area of the state, whom he did not mention their names.
He further disclosed that he state government was worried about the activities of Boko-Haram/armed bandits ravaging some parts of the state, adding that it will not tolerate individuals championing child trafficking.
Governor Bago of Niger State.
The deputy governor, who called for collaboration among key stakeholders, expressed preparedness of the Governor Umar Bago-led administration to stem the menace.
While commending NAPTIP for the bold step in ending all forms of human trafficking, the deputy governor urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and others to be conscious about what is happening around them, especially the activities of people with evil intentions hiding under religious guise to perpetrate evil against children.
Also read: I’II continuously serve Niger citizens, Bago assures
Meanwhile, a school headmaster, Mallam Jamilu Usman, who has two of his children among the 21, told journalists that he allowed his children, aged nine and 13 years to be among the 21 children.
Jamilu who however could not explain which country his children were being taken to and the work they would be doing, surprisingly said, “Two of my children are among the 21. I will be paying N35, 000 each monthly for their upkeep”.
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