Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has recorded another success by reuniting a five-year-old stolen child, Rahama Ibrahim, with her parents in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The reunification event took place at the Government House in Damaturu, in the presence of Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, with the active involvement of operatives of the DSS, Yobe Command.
NAPTIP, in a statement on Friday, said that Rahama was abducted in Damaturu a few months ago by a driver suspected of being involved in criminal activity of child theft.
She was subsequently rescued in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), while the suspect and accomplices have been charged to the court in Abuja
Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, who was represented by Mr. Saleh Zakar, the Commander, Yobe State Command, cautioned parents against leaving their children in the care of casual friends, untrusted neighbours, and one–off service providers, saying that such a situation makes children vulnerable to trafficking and theft.
She thanked the DSS for sustained support and collaboration with the agency, which often culminate in the arrest of the suspect in Abuja.
“I want to appeal to parents to be vigilant and keep an eye on their children. It is very dangerous to keep your children in the care of strangers who come your way casually. Parent should also desist from sending their children on errands unaccompanied or a lonely road in the odd hours.
“On our part, we shall continue to ensure the protection of Nigerian children, and we thank all our partners who have continued to support our work”, Binta Adamu Bello said.
In his remarks, the Yobe State Deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, commended NAPTIP for proactive counter-trafficking activities and successful reintegration of the child, assuring the agency of the support of the Yobe State Government.
Meanwhile, the father of the child, Mallam Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the Director General of NAPTIP for her effort in ensuring adequate care for the child.
“I want to thank the Federal Government through the Director General of NAPTIP for assisting my family in taking very good care of my daughter, who was stolen from us. When I came here now and saw my daughter, she is very neat and well taken care of.
“I thank the NAPTIP Director General and all other Officers of the Agency for this kind intervention. I can confirm that NAPTIP is doing a great work, and I thank them very much”, Rahama’s father said.