About eight children below the age of 10 are believed to be in police custody after being rescued from an alleged child trafficker in Falaba, Northern Sierra Leone.

It is alleged that the suspect used money to lure the minors.

Child trafficking has been an issue in Sierra Leone for decades now despite efforts being made by authorities to eliminate it.

A report by the United States Department of State placed Sierra Leone on tier two in its ranking while acknowledging efforts made by local authorities.

However, it is believed that that effort has been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic with a decrease in shelter and services especially for male victims and other important tools and facilities required to combat child trafficking.

Parents and some members of the public have advised fellow locals to be vigilant as these cases are believed to surge with months to elections.