The Benue State government has received 19 victims of child trafficking who were brought home from Lagos, following the intervention of Break the Silence Initiative Nigeria (BSiN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The victims made up of seven boys from Ushongo and 12 from Vandeikya local government areas of the state were among many other unidentified Benue teenagers trafficked to different parts of Nigeria by some people who security operatives described as unscrupulous elements.

Receiving the victims on behalf of the government, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Tabitha Igirgi appreciated the NGOs involved and the Nigerian Police for the interception and repatriation of the affected children, adding that the government would do all it could to end the ugly practice.

The Executive Director of BSiN, Mrs Phoebe Awange, accompanied by Mr Benjamin Usman of Child Trafficking Department, Lagos State Police Command, explained that her organisation swung into action upon receiving a tipoff on the January 28, leading to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of two traffickers who are currently undergoing investigation.

She urged the government to beam its searchlight on the Southern part of Nigeria, especially Lagos and Rivers states as there are more victims of trafficking yet to be discovered.

The Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) North Central Zone, Mrs Gloria Bai, said NAPTIP was present to witness the handover and to ensure justice for the victims.

The Programme Manager of Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF) Mr Tine Agernor streesed the importance of partnership as a key strategy for addressing societal ills, saying it was through partnership with relevant stakeholders that the return of the children was made possible.

He called on parents, guardians and community members to be observant and take action to end human trafficking, which he describing it as a gross human rights violation.