Plateau State Raises Alarm Over Rising Human Trafficking Cases

The Plateau State Government has voiced serious concern over a surge in human trafficking incidents, particularly affecting vulnerable women and children. This alarm follows the successful rescue and repatriation of three young Nigerian women who were allegedly trafficked to Mali and forced into prostitution.

“

As a Commission, we felt it was necessary to rise to the occasion to address these issues by protecting the human rights of our people, especially women and children.

The victims, identified as Victoria (23, from Delta State) and Joy and Janet (both 22 and 23, from Plateau State), were handed over to officials at the Plateau State Liaison Office in Lagos by the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation. They recounted being lured with promises of legitimate employment abroad, only to find themselves trapped in sexual exploitation in Mali.

Olivia Dazyam, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Matters, highlighted the growing menace, noting that traffickers often pose as recruiters to deceive Nigerians seeking better opportunities. She stressed the commission's commitment to protecting human rights, especially those of women and children, who are most susceptible to exploitation. Dazyam pointed out that Nigeria's economic challenges make families more vulnerable to such deceptions.

“

There is nothing good about human trafficking. Its sole purpose is exploitation.

"There is nothing good about human trafficking. Its sole purpose is exploitation," Dazyam stated, urging parents not to entrust their children to strangers or unverified agents. She emphasized that traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals, moving them out of state or country where they face "unimaginable exploitation." The commission provides rescued victims with counseling, psychosocial support, and empowerment programs, while also working to identify and prosecute perpetrators.

“

We constantly educate our people that they should never hand over their children to strangers or unverified agents under the guise of offering opportunities.

The state government plans to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen collaborations with security agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to combat this crime. Dazyam commended the partners involved in the rescue and safe return of the trafficked victims.

“

Parents cannot abdicate their responsibilities. When children become vulnerable and begin seeking help on their own, traffickers take advantage of them, moving them outside the state and even outside the country, where they are exposed to unimaginable exploitation.