By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
At least fourty two children from Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State who were intercepted by security Operatives in Gboko Local Government over alleged trafficking have been reportedly taken the NAPTIP zonal office, Makurdi.
It was learned that the Joint Patrol team popularly known as Operation Zenda intercepted the children while they were being taken to Osun State for trafficking purposes.
Findings by Day Break indicated that children who are between the ages of 12 and 16 have already been profiled by the agency.
The Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Makurdi zonal office, Mrs Gloria Bai said they were on top of the situation, adding that investigation was still in progress.
According to the Commander, the arrangement to convey the victims to Osun State was made by one of the family members who is currently living in Osun State who came and spoke to the parents of the victims who released the children to them.
” They came home and talked to the parents in that locality and they released their children to them” with the believe that they were going to obtain Western education as explained by their relatives who came from Osun.
Mrs Bai contended that it was a punishable offense to release children of below the age of 16 under that arrangement, cautioning parents against being deceived by traffickers.
The Commander maintained that the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Mr Steve Ayua has been briefed by the agency on the need to counsel the parents of the affected children to check their actions.
Investigation showed that the children have been united with their families.
