Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Traditional rulers in the Jechira Intermediate Area of Benue State have launched a move to tackle alleged child trafficking in their communities, warning that perpetrators and their accomplices will be exposed and brought to justice.
The Tor Jechira and Chairman of the Jechira Intermediate Area Traditional Council, Chief Edward Ujege, gave the warning while urging traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to identify and report individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Ujege declared that Jechira land would not be allowed to become a safe haven for child traffickers, insisting that the traditional institution would not protect anyone found to be involved in the crime, irrespective of their position or standing in the community.
Jechira Intermediate Area comprises Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The monarch spoke on Sunday, November 8, 2026, during a meeting with the Mbakyase Traditional Council at Gungul in Shangev Tiev, following reports of suspected child trafficking syndicates and their alleged accomplices operating within the area.
The meeting was convened to address growing concerns over the alleged trafficking of children from Jechira communities to other parts of the country and beyond, as well as mobilise traditional institutions and community leaders to identify those behind the activities and prevent further exploitation of children.
Addressing the gathering, Ujege warned that the traditional institution would not shield anyone implicated in child trafficking, regardless of their status or influence in the community.
He urged individuals whose names had been linked to the alleged trafficking activities to come forward and clear themselves of the allegations, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full consequences of the law.
The monarch expressed concern that the alleged activities of a few individuals could tarnish the image of the entire Jechira nation, stressing that traditional rulers and community members had a collective responsibility to protect children and safeguard the integrity of their communities.
Earlier, the District Head of Mbakyase, Chief Timothy Luga, alongside members of his traditional council, kingmakers and other community leaders, commended the Tor Jechira for intervening in the matter and drawing attention to the reported trafficking activities.
The leaders pledged their support for efforts to identify and expose suspected traffickers and their accomplices, particularly those believed to be indigenes of the area, to ensure that anyone found culpable faced appropriate legal action.
They described child trafficking as a serious threat to the safety and welfare of children, as well as the reputation of Jechira communities, noting that sustained cooperation among traditional institutions, community leaders and residents was necessary to eradicate the practice.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to working with relevant authorities to ensure that individuals involved in the illegal trade were identified and made to face appropriate sanctions.
A statement signed by the Chief Press and Private Secretary to the Tor Jechira, Stephen Tseagu, said the meeting was attended by the Ter Shangev Tiev, Chief Orngu Kyarem Mue; Tyoor Mbakyase, Chief Timothy Luga; Zaki Gbee Leke; Zaki Waseior Yogbo; and Zaki Anacha Memzan, alongside other traditional rulers and community leaders.
