Fourteen children trafficked from Adamawa State to Anambra State have been rescued and reunited with their families in a major crackdown on child trafficking.

The children, aged between four and nine, were handed over to their parents yesterday at a formal ceremony in th office of the Deputy Governor, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta.

Farauta, who described child trafficking as a “monster ravaging the nation,” lamented that the crime has put Adamawa in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. She disclosed that the rescue followed intelligence reports received in July, which led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Ngozi Abdulwahab.

Abdulwahab allegedly lured the victims with snacks and gifts at her provision shop in Jambutu ward, Yola North Local Council, before trafficking them to the South East, where they were sold for between N800,000 and N1.7 million each.

“These children have gone through unimaginable experiences,” the Deputy Governor said. “We have provided them with medical care, psychological support, and rehabilitation. Today, they are being reunited with their loved ones and returned to the comfort of their homes.”

She assured that the suspect would be prosecuted and reiterated the government’s determination to dismantle trafficking networks.

As part of the reintegration process, each family received N100,000 in financial support, along with food and non-food relief items. Farauta also announced plans to assist the families in starting small-scale businesses to improve their livelihoods.

To safeguard the children’s welfare, she directed the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and local welfare departments to conduct regular follow-up visits.

“This government is fully committed to protecting the future of every child in Adamawa State,” she added. “We will not rest until we put an end to child trafficking and ensure justice for the victims.”