By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
The Commissioner for Women and Child Development, Hon. Mrs. Mary Sinjen, has appreciated the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rescuing Blessing Danjuma, a young Taraba indigene who was trafficked to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and facilitating her safe return home to Jalingo.
The Commissioner disclosed this while addressing journalists at the new Ministry of Women and Child Development shelter home in Jalingo.
According to her, the recent intervention involved the rescue and safe return of Blessing Danjuma from Côte d’Ivoire following distress calls received online, with the support of NAPTIP.
“The lady has been in the shelter home since Saturday, 15th August 2026, and has been under the care of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Taraba State,” she said.
She said the intervention underscores the Ministry’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, exploitation and the abuse of women and children, while ensuring that vulnerable persons receive protection, rehabilitation and support.
The Taraba State Ministry of Women and Child Development sponsored her return, while NAPTIP and the GATO Foundation in Côte d’Ivoire facilitated the process.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Ministry remains committed to rescuing, protecting, rehabilitating and empowering women and children across Taraba State,” she said.
Mrs. Sinjen said the intervention demonstrates the Taraba State Government’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, exploitation and abuse of women and children, while ensuring that vulnerable persons receive protection, rehabilitation and support.
“We remain committed to rescuing, protecting, rehabilitating and empowering women and children across Taraba State. We urge parents, communities and the general public to remain vigilant and courageous enough to speak out whenever the safety and well-being of our women and children are at risk,” she added.
She further called on members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of trafficking, exploitation or abuse to the relevant authorities.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Ministry would continue to strengthen interventions aimed at safeguarding women and children across the state.
She stressed that collective vigilance and action remain essential to building a safer Taraba where every woman and child is protected, valued and empowered.