Katsina Government, NAPTIP Rescue 13-Year-Old Girl from Human Trafficker
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the State Ministry of Women Affairs, has successfully rescued 13-year-old Rahama Sanusi from a suspected human trafficker.
Receiving the rescued girl on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Hadiza Yar’adua, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with UNICEF, NAPTIP, and other agencies to tackle child trafficking and address the menace of out-of-school children in Katsina.
She further emphasized the need for alternative care policies that align with the culture, tradition, and religion of the people to ensure the protection of vulnerable children.
“This case is just one among many, and it highlights the urgent need for parents to take full responsibility for their children’s welfare. While support from relatives is welcomed, parents must remain actively involved in their children’s upbringing,” Yar’adua stated.
Providing details about Rahama’s ordeal, the commissioner explained that she had been living in Kano State for seven years under the care of her deceased mother’s sister before being trafficked to Makurdi, Benue State.
Rahama’s father, Sanusi Ahmed, expressed deep gratitude to the Women Affairs Ministry and NAPTIP, noting that he had made several unsuccessful attempts to bring his daughter home.
“I have been trying to reach my daughter, but her caregiver was always reluctant. I even attempted to bring her home last month, but I was told she was missing after school hours. I sincerely thank the authorities for their intervention,” he said.
The Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children, with Commissioner Yar’adua vowing that strong punitive measures would be taken against the suspect to serve as a deterrent.
