"NAPTIP's Heroic Rescue: Saving a 6-Month-Old Sold for N.6m from Trafficking Trauma"

In a significant intervention against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported the successful rescue of a six-month-old baby who had been sold for N600,000. The rescue operation took place in Imo State following a tip-off received by NAPTIP officials.

The child, whose mother was identified as Emediong Asuquo, a teenager from Etinan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, was discovered in an orphanage in Imo State. Asuquo confessed to selling her child due to economic hardship, stating that she and her boyfriend were unable to provide for the baby's needs. Consequently, they made the decision to entrust the child to anyone willing to care for them until Asuquo could fend for herself and the baby.

The sale of the child was facilitated by Asuquo's friend, Stella Effiong, who arranged for the transaction to take place in Abia State. However, Asuquo expressed surprise and dismay when she received no proceeds from the sale, despite Effiong's involvement. It was later revealed that the baby was taken to an orphanage in Imo State after being sold in Abia State.

Effiong justified her actions by citing Asuquo's desperate circumstances, including her inability to provide food for herself and the child and her abusive relationship with her boyfriend. She claimed that Asuquo frequently confided in her about her struggles, prompting Effiong to arrange the sale of the child in a misguided attempt to alleviate her friend's suffering.

Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander in Uyo, emphasized the prevalence of poverty as a driving force behind human trafficking, particularly the sale of babies, in Akwa Ibom State. He stressed the need for increased resources, including financial support from the government and other agencies, to combat trafficking effectively. Awhen also highlighted the importance of ongoing investigations to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future incidents of trafficking.

The successful rescue of the six-month-old child underscores NAPTIP's commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation. Through continued vigilance and collaborative efforts, NAPTIP aims to eradicate trafficking in all its forms and provide support and assistance to victims of this heinous crime.