Plateau State Faces Rising Child Trafficking Concerns

Plateau State is increasingly recognized as an epicenter for child trafficking, with significant concerns raised by government officials, child rights advocates, and religious bodies. Over the past few years, thousands of vulnerable children have been intercepted and rescued from traffickers, with many being transported to neighboring countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Togo, and Benin Republic for cheap labor and sexual exploitation.

Reports indicate that 85 trafficked children were identified in Langtang alone. Local authorities, including the council chairman, have lamented the prevalence of child trafficking, which is often facilitated by powerful syndicates posing as religious leaders.

Last year, a prominent clergyman was apprehended for involvement in trafficking, having transported 15 children. The Itarok Development Foundation, founded by Apostle Jack Mamven, has been active in rescuing victims and raising awareness against trafficking, particularly in the Tarok ethnic group.

The state has seen a concerted effort from various agencies, including NAPTIP and the Nigeria Police Force, to combat this menace.