The Plateau State Government has successfully recovered 16 children who were trafficked to Anambra State and reunited them with their families.
These children, originally from Bassa Local Government Area, were deceived with false promises of education and skill acquisition but were instead exploited for monetary benefits.
After two of the victims managed to escape, an investigation was launched, resulting in the arrest of the main orchestrator, known as the “madam,” along with her accomplices. They reportedly concealed the identities of 25 children from Plateau and neighboring states by altering their names and backgrounds.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Caroline Panglang Dafur, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, highlighted that this rescue operation exemplifies the power of community collaboration and decisive government action in protecting vulnerable children.
She described the recovery as a victory over adversity, symbolizing renewed hope and resilience in safeguarding childhood innocence.
The commissioner further revealed that the rescued children, aged between 4 and 9 years, were trafficked from their homes in Bassa Local Government Area to Anambra State.
She confirmed the arrest of the woman responsible and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help eradicate child trafficking within the state.
Miriam Riti, wife of the Bassa Local Government Chairman, also spoke on the matter, outlining the local government’s efforts to ensure the children’s welfare. These include medical examinations to assess their health, school enrollment, and reunification with their families.
Mrs. Riti emphasized the involvement of community leaders in monitoring the children’s safety and integration back into their communities.
Expressing gratitude, Mrs. Asabe Agidi, a parent whose daughter was among the rescued, thanked the government, the commissioner, and the local authorities. As a widow, she had initially believed her daughter’s departure was for a positive opportunity, unaware it was a trafficking scheme. She pledged to care for her child with the resources available to her.
The rescued children were officially handed over to Mrs. Miriam Riti by Commissioner Caroline Panglang Dafur at the J D Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos.
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