The Plateau State Government on Monday expressed its determination to prosecute anyone found guilty of child trafficking in any of the state’s 17 local government areas accusing lawyers, religious leaders, and hospitals of being complicit in child trafficking in the state.
The state Commissioner of Women Affairs, Caroline Panglang Dafur, disclosed this while inaugurating the state office of the Child Protection Network in Jos.
She frowned upon the rapid activities of child traffickers in the state, stressing that the government had recently discovered numerous cases.
According to the commissioner, despite the government’s efforts to eradicate child abuse in the state, some unpatriotic individuals, including influential persons, were hindering their efforts to tackle the menace, emphasising that a collective effort was necessary to end the problem.
She said, “We will prosecute anyone found guilty of child trafficking in any of the state’s 17 local government areas. I am delighted to be part of this significant moment. Currently, we have over 12 individuals in detention, and I invite you to visit the facility to witness our ongoing efforts. This issue involves not only individuals but also institutions like schools, hospitals, and even legal practitioners. Unfortunately, some hospitals, lawyers, and influential persons have been found complicit in child trafficking, which is unacceptable.
“We want to caution all of us here. Some people may unknowingly get involved in child trafficking, believing they are helping children. But before you know it, you may find yourself in legal trouble. We must all be vigilant and informed. The government is determined to root out everyone involved in this criminal activity, no matter their role or status. This administration is taking the fight against child trafficking seriously, and anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law.”
Speaking earlier, the state Coordinator for the CPN, Mrs Sandra Chikan, noted that there was a high level of molestation, abuse of children, and other vices against them, hence the need to partner the state government to tackle these issues.
She said, “This is the time to tighten our belts. It is the time to collaborate, unite, and confront the pressing issues affecting our children. We can no longer afford to work in isolation Instead, we must operate as a united front, a consortium, a coalition of determined forces.
“The sad reality before us is that countless children in Plateau State are being trafficked daily. In certain local government areas within the state, some children are falsely accused of witchcraft, subjected to inhumane treatment, and, in extreme cases, even buried alive or killed. These acts are unacceptable,” the state coordinator added.
