Metro
Plateau govt vows to prosecute suspects found guilty of child trafficking
The Plateau State Government has expressed its willingness to prosecute anyone found guilty of child trafficking in any of the state’s 17 local government areas.
The state Commissioner of Women Affairs, Caroline Panglang Dafur, who disclosed this while inaugurating the state office of the Child Protection Network in Jos, on Monday, accused lawyers, religious leaders, and hospitals of being complicit in child trafficking in the state.
Dafur frowned upon the rapid activities of child traffickers in the state, stressing that the government had recently discovered numerous cases.
She noted that 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.
Dafur 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.
READ ALSO: Police in Anambra arrest suspected child trafficker, rescue victims
“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.”
Join the conversation
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.