CSO tasks Nigerian govt on tackling rising child trafficking in Plateau

The Civil Society Organization Safe House Justice Human Empowerment Centre has urged the Nigerian government to address the escalating issue of child trafficking in Plateau State. The organization highlighted that the humanitarian crisis in the state, caused by attacks and displacement of thousands of people, has led to a significant rise in child trafficking cases over the past five years.

Executive Director Edith Gumut emphasized the urgent need for intervention during a press conference marking the 2025 World Humanitarian Day in Jos. Gumut pointed out that the security situation and poverty in the state have pushed many parents to release their children into trafficking for financial reasons.

She also noted that the lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic needs has further exacerbated the vulnerability of children in the state. Gumut highlighted the rescue of 300 trafficked children by the Ministry of Women Affairs and called for government support to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the rights of women and children in conflict-affected areas of Plateau State.