Group laments surge in child trafficking in Plateau

The Child Protection Network (CPN) in Plateau State has raised alarm over child trafficking from the state.

The state’s Coordinator of CPN, Mrs Sandra Chikan, who raised the alarm, said her group would no longer condone the illicit act whereby children and young people from Plateau State were tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes and then transported and forced to work or are sold or trafficked for sexual exploitation.

She said, “In view of the alarming increase in cases of child trafficking, young girls from Plateau State have on several occasions been lured by syndicates to other countries and states for prostitution and child labour.

“CPN condemns this dastardly act, and we call on parents and guardians to be aware of these crimes. Parents and community members should not fail in their primary responsibility of protecting and training their children.”

The network, therefore, called on community leaders to report any unlawful activity and crimes of such to law enforcement agencies.

She further said, “Government should explore options for ensuring policies are implemented and engage stakeholders in a concerted effort to combat this menace and criminality. This ugly trend must stop, we have to rise up against it. We will no longer condone this situation.”