Bayelsa Govt To Prosecute 2 Suspected Child Traffickers

Governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri has expressed the readiness of the state government to prosecute the suspects arrested over their alleged involvement in the theft and subsequent trafficking of two children from the state.

The two children, aged four and two years, were stolen on June 19, 2023 and trafficked from Igbogene community in Yenagoa local government area to various states in Nigeria but through the discreet investigation of the state police command, the traffickers were arrested.

Governor Diri who spoke on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held for the successful rescue of the children at the Greater Works International Fire Ministry in Enedugo community of Yenagoa, expressed delight for the safe return of the kids to their parents.

Diri, who was represented by the chairman of the Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative (GRIT), Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry conveyed the good will of the state governor, saying that the Governor was excited over the safe return of the children.

She reiterated the commitment of the state government on the security of its citizens and promised that all the suspects arrested will be prosecuted.

Goddy Harry, who appreciated the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, the commissioner for women affairs, Hon. Faith Opene, the Bayelsa State Police command through the Gender desk of the command ably represented by CSP Grace Richman and officer Benson, the coordinator of Child Protection Network Bayelsa State chapter, said she was grateful for all the support that was given to the families of the innocent children.

She said, “Immediately the children were returned to the state, the prosperity government through the Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative team took it upon themselves to ensure the children were medically okay as immediate medical examination was carried out on them at the Bayelsa State Sexual Assault Referral Centre and we are glad to announce that the children are medically healthy.”