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CWEENS Raises Alarm Over Child Trafficking in Plateau State

The Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of child trafficking in Plateau State. Speaking during a press conference on Monday, January 13, 2025, Prof. Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, National Coordinator of CWEENS, highlighted the recent crackdown on a child trafficking syndicate as a critical wake-up call for action.

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Prof. Para-Mallam detailed the operation, which was conducted by the Joint Task Force in collaboration with the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT). On December 2, 2024, a suspect, Nanman Pungtel, was apprehended at Old Airport Junction, Jos, with three children she could not account for. Further investigations led to the arrest of Pastor Dayo Bernard of End Time Army Ministry, Bukuru, who confessed to abducting and selling 13 children from Plateau State for amounts ranging from ₦350,000 to ₦750,000.

The operation rescued five children aged 2 to 4 years and uncovered additional syndicate members, including Rita Agboeze, Victoria Ugwu, and Peter Ukwuani. The rescued children received care at the CWEENS Safe House before being successfully reunited with their families through the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

In December 2024 alone, CWEENS provided psycho-social therapy to 13 trafficked children rescued from the syndicate, along with four others repatriated from Mali and Ghana. Over the last quarter, CWEENS has supported 42 trafficking survivors, including 32 children, revealing the alarming scale of exploitation in the state.

“The recent case underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, strengthened state mechanisms, and proactive community involvement to combat this menace,” said Prof. Para-Mallam. She emphasized that girls remain particularly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

CWEENS presented a series of recommendations aimed at addressing child trafficking:

  1. Community Vigilance: Stakeholders, parents, and communities must proactively identify and report suspicious activities.
  2. Awareness Campaigns: The Plateau State government should launch localized campaigns to educate communities about trafficking risks and reporting channels.
  3. Multi-Agency Collaboration: CWEENS urged stronger partnerships between civil society, law enforcement, and relevant ministries.
  4. Stricter Law Enforcement: The group called for harsher penalties for traffickers and expedited prosecution of cases.
  5. Root Causes: Addressing poverty and unemployment through livelihood programs, vocational training, and grants for vulnerable families.
  6. Child Protection Measures: Establishing community child protection watch groups and toll-free hotlines for reporting trafficking cases, supported by rapid response teams statewide.

CWEENS reaffirmed its commitment to fighting trafficking and gender-based violence, extending gratitude to partners such as the Plateau State Police Command, NAPTIP, and the Ministry of Women Affairs. Prof. Para-Mallam called on all stakeholders to join efforts to safeguard children, stressing, “The fight against child trafficking requires collective action. Together, we can dismantle the systems of exploitation and protect our children’s future.”

Prof. Para-Mallam concluded by urging society to commit to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. “May the children of Plateau State grow up surrounded by love and protection, free from exploitation. Together, we can ensure that no child falls victim to traffickers,” she said.

For more information, visit CWEENS at cweensnigeria.org or follow their social media channels. To report trafficking cases or seek support via their helpline at 08120849594 or email at cweensnigeria@gmail.com.

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