52 Victims Of Trafficking Handed Over To Zamfara Govt

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has transferred 52 individuals suspected of being human trafficking victims to the Zamfara State Government following their interception while traveling to Abuja for mining jobs.

The people, originating from Anka and Talata-Mafara local government areas, were detained by the Nigerian Army prior to being handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for probing. The alleged mastermind, known as Bilyaminu, is still in DSS detention.

Ishaq Anka, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency, stated that the victims were enticed with offers of compensated work.

“You can see their condition. They don’t have money; they don’t have anything. Though we are in the fasting period, I sympathise with them because they feed once a day, only taking water,” Anka remarked.

He mentioned that the victims underwent a three-day investigation before being turned over to the state authorities.

“After arresting them, they were investigated for three days, and they were handed over to the Department of State Services, where they conducted their findings and handed over the victims to NAPTIP Abuja. It was NAPTIP Abuja that called us to inform us that there were some victims they wanted to return to the state government,” he explained.

Hamza Shuaibu, one of the victims, supported Bilyaminu, asserting that he was merely assisting them in securing employment.

“He was helping us. We know the government is doing everything to protect its citizens, and we thank the Zamfara State Government for rescuing us. We appeal for the release of our leader, Bilyaminu, because he did not violate the law,” he stated.

The Zamfara State Government additionally cautioned residents, especially those in rural regions, against succumbing to deceptive assurances of improved prospects in other places.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli