The Kebbi state government has reunited five trafficked children with their families, with a strong warning to parents against involvement in the illegal venture.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), which rescued the children, complained to the government that while some parents were gullible, others were culpable.
Kebbi deputy governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, received the trafficked children on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris and handed them over to their parents and guardians, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Monday evening.
Sen. Tafida warned that parents that consented to making children merchandise for monetary benefits, would be punished in accordance with the nation’s statutes.
“Parents who consented to trafficking their children are also guilty of the offence, and will receive appropriate punishment as established by the Law.
“Kebbi state government is ready to deal with traffickers of children. Issues of poverty and hunger are not enough reasons to allow unscrupulous elements to exchange your children for cash,” the deputy governor said.
On Kebbi deportees received by NAPTIP, Sen. Tafida indicated the willingness of the Kebbi government to rehabilitate them after all the necessary processes have been completed and integrate them into the larger society.
The Kebbi state NAPTIP commander, Misbahu Iyan Kaura, also informed the governor that the agency rescued the five trafficked children in Gusau on their way to Edo state.