Governor Alia establishes Save the Benue Child Committee

Benue State Governor Hyacient Alia has inaugurated the State Steering Committee of the Save the Benue Child Project to tackle child trafficking in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony in Makurdi on Friday, the governor said the Benue child has faced serious challenges in the past few years and all hands must be on deck to change the narrative.

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

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 and health care to the harsh consequences of crises, poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk, but we also recognize a vast 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,” he said.