The Katsina State Government has welcomed 13-year-old Rahama Sanusi, who was rescued from a suspected human trafficker by the State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the State Ministry of Women Affairs.
While receiving Rahama, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Hadiza Yar’adua, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside UNICEF, NAPTIP, and other agencies to combat the growing issue of out-of-school children in the state.
Yar’adua also vowed to implement alternative care policies and programs for children found wandering the streets, taking into account the cultural, traditional, and religious context of the community.
She emphasized that before her rescue, Rahama had been living in Kano State for seven years under the care of her late mother’s sister.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of parents taking full responsibility for their children’s welfare rather than relying on extended family members for their upbringing.
“I am not suggesting that relatives should not help care for our children, but I urge parents, despite the challenges of life, to take a more active role in raising their children,” she said. “This case is just one of many, and there are still many children out there in similar situations.”
Yar’adua emphasized the seriousness with which these issues are being addressed, with strong support from the state governor, the justice system, and partner agencies like NAPTIP. She assured that collaboration between these bodies would continue, with a focus on protecting vulnerable children.
“We will not relent in our efforts,” she added, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting underage children from harm.
In a statement, Sanusi Ahmed, Rahama’s father, shared that he had been attempting to bring his daughter home long before the incident, but her caregiver had been unwilling to allow it. He urged all parents to ensure they are taking care of their children, regardless of their financial situation.
“I appeal to parents to never give up on their children, no matter how difficult life may be,” he said
