A farmer in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State reportedly helped prevent the alleged trafficking of a two-year-old child after he became suspicious of three workers seen moving with the toddler.
The incident occurred in Ogberia Ochoro community. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the three suspects allegedly attempted to traffic the child for sale.
The suspects reportedly told investigators that they had not been paid for about three months and decided to take the child as revenge. However, their employer disputed the claim, saying only the August salary was outstanding because the month had not yet ended.
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The farmer reportedly questioned the suspects after spotting them with the child. When one allegedly claimed the toddler was his, the farmer became suspicious and raised an alarm, leading to their arrest after they had reportedly crossed about four communities.
NAPTIP said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be prosecuted after the investigation. The agency is also working to verify the suspects’ ages due to discrepancies between the ages recorded by the community and those given to investigators.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of community vigilance in protecting children from trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
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