Gov. Alia inaugurates committee to mitigate against child trafficking in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia on, Friday inaugurated the State steering committee of Save the Benue Child ‘project to mitigate child trafficking’ in the State

Alia, who spoke during the inauguration ceremony in Makurdi, said that Benue children have faced serious challenges over the years and all hands must be on deck to change the narrative.

Represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, Alia said the Benue child has over the years faced issues of lack of quality education, healthcare amongst others.

The Nations News Nigeriareports that Mnyim is the State Chairman, “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking”.

The Governor said that the government aimed to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach and engagement, provision of support services.

“Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many Children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure.

“From inadequate access to education, healthcare, to the harsh impacts of crisis, poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk. But we also recognize an immense opportunity—an opportunity to effect meaningful change and to forge a path towards hope and opportunity.

“The ” Save the Benue Child” project is not just a response to these challenges; it is also a commitment to action. Our goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.

“We will focus on improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, Identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, providing support services for vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitizing communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being.”he said

Gov. Alia said they would join forces with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Mrs Gloria Bai said the agency needs all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.

Mrs Bai who is also the co-chair of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking” said the number of traffic incidents were on the rise in the State.