A farmer returning from his farm in Cross River State may have prevented a child trafficking incident after spotting three workers behaving suspiciously with the toddler. The incident occurred in Ogberia Ochoro community, Ogoja Local Government Area. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the three workers were accused of attempting to traffic the child for sale.
The NAPTIP received a report about the incident on Monday and started investigating. The suspects claimed they had worked for their employer for about three months without receiving their wages and decided to traffic the child as revenge. However, the employer denied the allegation, stating that the workers had been paid except for their August salary. The farmer's quick thinking led to the suspects' arrest after they had crossed about four communities with the toddler.
The suspects gave conflicting age statements, with the community recording them as 18, 19, and 27, while they told NAPTIP they were 16, 17, and 25. Their parents are being contacted to confirm their actual ages. Oba Joseph, the Head of Operations in the Cross River Command of NAPTIP, said the alleged trafficking attempt was under investigation, and the suspects would be prosecuted after the investigation.
The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance in protecting children from possible trafficking. The farmer's actions demonstrate the crucial role that ordinary citizens can play in preventing such crimes. NAPTIP is verifying the suspects' ages and investigating their claims.
The suspects allegedly told investigators that they decided to traffic the child as revenge and to recover the money they claimed they were owed. The employer, however, denied owing them money, except for the August salary. The incident is a reminder of the need for employers to treat their workers fairly and for workers to seek redress through proper channels.
The community has expressed concern over the incident, and NAPTIP has assured that it will do everything possible to bring the suspects to justice. The agency is working to confirm the suspects' ages and investigate their claims. The incident has also raised questions about the prevalence of child trafficking in the area.
The NAPTIP has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in preventing child trafficking. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will face prosecution once the investigation is complete.
Key points
- The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance in protecting children from possible trafficking.
- The suspects claimed they decided to traffic the child as revenge for not being paid.
- NAPTIP is verifying the suspects' ages and investigating their claims.
