Governor Alia sets up Save the Benue Child Committee

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Friday inaugurated the state steering committee of the “Save the Benue Child” project to combat child trafficking in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony in Makurdi, Alia said the Benue child has faced huge challenges in the past few years and all efforts must be made to change the narrative.

Alia, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, said the child from Benue faces challenges ranging from lack of quality education, health care and nutritional deficiencies among many others.

Mnyim is the chairman of the Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking and has the responsibility of leading the state’s efforts to curb this ugly trend in the state.

He said the state government planned to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community engagement, involvement and provision of support services.

“Today we recognise the stark reality that many children in Benue are facing challenges that no child should ever have to endure.

“From inadequate access to education, healthcare to the harsh effects of crisis, poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk, but we also recognize an immense opportunity to create meaningful change and forge a path to hope.

“The Save the Benue Child project is not just a response to these challenges, it is also a commitment to action. The aim is to create a comprehensive support system that responds holistically to the needs of these children.

“We will focus on activities such as improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, identifying and rescuing child victims of trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse and providing support services for vulnerable rescued children.

“Others prosecute and hold perpetrators accountable, raise awareness and sensitize communities about human trafficking and child exploitation, and provide the necessary support to ensure their well-being,” he said.

Alia said the government will join forces with local communities and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

Earlier, Ms Mabel Ade, Director of the Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), said the event was a pivotal moment in the collective fight against human trafficking.

According to Ade, the aim of AAF was to combat the scourge of human trafficking from the communities of Benue.

She said that as the anchor organization of the USAID-Palladium’s Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) CTIP Cluster, the foundation is committed to advocating for strong legislative action against human trafficking.

In her speech, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Gloria Bai, said the agency needs all stakeholders to save the future of the Benue child.

Bai, who is also co-chair of the Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking, said the number of human trafficking incidents in the state is increasing.

Bridget Tikyaa
PSA Media Publicity and Communications Strategy