The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (GEOC) has expressed deep concern over the sharp increase in child trafficking cases across the state, warning that the trend has reached a disturbing level that demands urgent, coordinated action from all segments of society.
Speaking during a press briefing to mark the Commission’s two-year anniversary in Jos, Chairperson Barr. Olivia Dazyem revealed that child trafficking has become one of the most rampant forms of abuse threatening the safety and future of Plateau children. She said the Commission recorded several cases indicating that minors are being trafficked daily to cities across Nigeria and, in some instances, transported outside the country.
According to her, the alarming rise prompted the Commission to embark on an aggressive, statewide sensitization campaign, targeting schools across the 17 local government areas. The programme covered all three senatorial zones and focused on educating students on the tactics used by traffickers, the dangers of child labour, and the importance of staying in school.
“We chose to go directly to the students because they are the primary targets of traffickers,” Dazyem explained. “During our engagements, some of the confessions and experiences shared by these children were shocking and heartbreaking. It became clear that the threat is more widespread and sophisticated than many realize.”
As part of its intensified efforts, the Commission successfully prevented 106 children from being trafficked and facilitated the return of 46 children who had already been taken from their homes. GEOC also disrupted multiple cases involving the sale of babies and rescued 25 children from forced labour.
Dazyem noted that while these achievements reflect progress, they also expose the depth of the problem. “These numbers show that we are dealing with a severe national crisis with local consequences. Child trafficking is not just a criminal activity—it is a violation of human dignity and a threat to the future of our state.”
The Chairperson emphasized that combating trafficking requires broad community involvement. In response, the Commission engaged religious leaders, women’s groups, community development associations, and traditional rulers to raise awareness and strengthen local vigilance.
She acknowledged the role of religious institutions in shaping social values and therefore stressed the need to challenge cultural and spiritual misconceptions that indirectly fuel child exploitation, broken family systems, and loss of parental responsibility.
“We visited churches and other places of worship to speak on the importance of protecting children and maintaining family unity. The response was encouraging, and many community leaders pledged their full support,” she said.
The Commission also trained social welfare directors, women development officers, mediators, and information officers across all local government areas on how to identify, manage, and refer cases of child trafficking and gender-based violence. Journalists received training on gender-sensitive reporting to improve public understanding of the issues.
Dazyem called on parents, community leaders, security agencies, and civil society to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities involving children. She stressed that the Commission cannot tackle the problem alone.
“Child trafficking is a collective challenge. The lives and futures of our children depend on how quickly we act and how committed we remain,” she said. “We are urging all Plateau citizens to become their brother’s keeper and protect the children around them.”
The Commission affirmed its commitment to expanding school outreach programmes, strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions, and pushing for stronger legal frameworks to safeguard children. It also pledged to continue collaborating with national and international organizations to address trafficking and other forms of exploitation.