The children, aged 4 to 9, were deceived with promises of education and vocational training but were instead exploited for financial gain.

The breakthrough came after two victims escaped, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of the trafficking ring’s leader, referred to as the “madam,” and her agents. 

Authorities discovered that the syndicate had harbored 25 children from Plateau and other states, altering their names and identities to conceal their origins.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Caroline Panglang Dafur, the Plateau State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, hailed the rescue as a powerful example of community and government collaboration to protect vulnerable children. 

“This is a triumph over trauma, a restoration of resilience and hope in a world where childhood innocence must be safeguarded,” she stated.

Dafur urged the public to report suspicious activities to help eradicate child trafficking in the state, noting that the arrested ringleader is now in custody. She emphasized the importance of collective vigilance in ensuring such crimes are stopped.

Miriam Riti, wife of the Bassa Local Government Chairman, outlined measures to support the rescued children, including medical checkups to confirm their health, school enrollment, and reunification with their families. 

Riti added that community leaders have been engaged to monitor the children’s well-being and ensure their safety moving forward.

Among the grateful parents was Mrs. Asabe Agidi, a widow whose daughter was among those rescued. “I thought she was being taken for a better future, not trafficking,” Agidi said, expressing gratitude to the government and pledging to care for her daughter despite her limited means.

The children were formally handed over to Mrs. Miriam Riti by Commissioner Dafur at the J D Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos, marking a hopeful step toward healing and justice for the victims.