A farmer's keen observation has led to the foiling of an alleged child trafficking attempt in Cross River State. The incident took place in the Ogberia Ochoro community of Ogoja Local Government Area, where three workers were reportedly caught trying to sell their employer's two-year-old child.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation following the incident, which was reported on September 28, 2026. According to Oba Joseph, NAPTIP's Head of Operations in Cross River, the farmer, who was returning from his farm, noticed the suspicious behavior of the three individuals with the child and intervened.

Upon questioning the workers, the farmer was not convinced by their explanation. One of the suspects allegedly claimed that the child was his own, which raised further suspicions. The farmer then raised an alarm, prompting the immediate arrest of the suspects after they had traversed several communities with the toddler in tow.

The workers reportedly claimed that they had not been paid by their employer for three months, which they cited as their motive for the attempted trafficking. However, the employer refuted these claims, stating that while the workers had been paid, only the salary for August was outstanding, as the month had not yet concluded.

In addition to the ongoing investigation into the trafficking attempt, NAPTIP is also verifying the ages of the suspects. There are discrepancies between the ages reported by the community—18, 19, and 27—and the ages the suspects provided to investigators, which were 16, 17, and 25. To clarify these inconsistencies, NAPTIP has contacted the suspects' parents.

Oba Joseph emphasized that regardless of the outcome of the age verification, the serious nature of the alleged trafficking attempt will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate legal action will follow against the suspects. The agency is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this troubling case of attempted child trafficking.