Plateau State Government has condemned the surge in cases of child trafficking in the state despite the efforts of the government to tame the ugly trend.
The state commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, who disclosed this while commissioning the state office of Child Protection Network (CPN), in Jos, Plateau State on Monday said several incidences were treated in recent times.
She stated that despite government’s efforts to eradicate child abuse in the state, some unpatriotic people including influential individuals are bent on frustrating their efforts in tackling the menace, emphasising that all hands must be on deck to end the problem.
The Commissioner threatened that the state government would prosecute anyone who is found guilty of child trafficking in any of the s 17 local government areas of the state.
“I am truly delighted to be part of this significant moment. As I speak to you, we have over 12 individuals currently in detention, and I invite you to visit the facility to witness the ongoing efforts. This issue involves not just individuals but also institutions like schools, hospitals, and, unfortunately, even legal practitioners. Some hospitals and lawyers as well as influential persons have been found to be complicit in child trafficking, which is unacceptable.
” I 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, state coordinator for the Child Protection Network, Mrs Mrs. Sandra Chikan, noted that there high level of molestation, abuse of children, and other vices against them hence the need to partner with the state government to tackle them.
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.
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