• Rescues three children
Alex Enumah in Abuj
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested 11 persons for suspected child trafficking, abduction and sale of children.
A statement by an official in the Press and Public Relations Unit, Adekoye Vincent, disclosed that the suspects were arrested in different parts of Anambra State in a combined operation carried out with the support of the operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS).
The suspects comprising eight women and three men were said to have belonged to a criminal syndicate that specialised in kidnapping and sale of babies across the country notably the states of the South-east, Lagos and Abuja.
The statement added that three children whose ages range from eight months to four years were recovered during the operation while, scores of other children believed to have been trafficked by the gang are yet to be found.
“Among the children were a two-year old girl who was reportedly stolen from Lagos sometimes ago and another four-year old boy who was allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba area of the federal capital territory. His parents are yet to be traced.
“The parents of the eight month old child are yet to be traced while the two years old child whose 4 year old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents. She was stolen from Okpoko in Anambra State and was recovered in Lagos,†part of the statement read.
According to the statement, one of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor (30 years old) sold one of her four children (New born baby) to one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350,000. She confessed to have sold the baby to be able to train the other three in school.
While the suspects are in the custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of the agency, the rescued children and the remaining three children of Rosemary Okafor victims are presently receiving the required services at the agency’s shelter.
Investigation on the matter continues.
