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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Government in collaboration with the USAID Palladium SCALE CTIP Cluster has inaugurated a steering on two hashtags “#Operation Dave the Benue Child” project and “#United against Trafficking” both aimed at tackling the menace of human trafficking in the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia who inaugurated the committee on Friday, said the initiative is pivotal in the collective journey to ensure a brighter and more equitable future for the children of Benue state.
Ali’s who was represented by state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Barr Fidelis Mnyim, who is also the State Chairman, “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking” said the Benue child has faced serious challenges over the years that no child should ever endure and urged all hands to be on deck to change the narrative.
Alia said the Benue child has faced issues of inadequate access to education, healthcare, harsh impacts of crisis, poverty, neglect amongst others.
The Governor said his administration will collaborate with all stakeholders; communities, NGO and Government agencies through community outreach and engagement, provision of support services to build a network that is resilient and far-reaching.
He said “The Save the Benue Child project is not just a response to these challenges but also a commitment to action. Our goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.
He also said “We will focus on improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, Identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, providing support services for vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitizing communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being”.
Earlier, Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), the anchor Organization of USAID Palladium SCALE CTIP Cluster, Mrs Mabel Ade, emphasized the importance of partnerships in the fight against human trafficking saying “Human trafficking is a collective battle. It cannot be fought or won by any single entity; it demands a concerted effort from all sectors of society.”
She said her organization is dedicated to advocating for strong legislative measures against trafficking with an objective to transit the existing Taskforce on Human Trafficking into a fully-fledged CTIP Commission, supported by adequate budgetary allocations.
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According to her the objectives of the hashtag #United Against Trafficking” was to foster partnership, raise awareness and build capacity as well as encourage collective responsibility in protecting vulnerable individuals especially children.
Also speaking, the Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs Gloria Bai, said the agency need all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.
Mrs Bai who is also the co chairman of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking” said the number of human trafficking incidents were on the rise in the State as Benue has been on top of the chart for three consecutive years.
The Director General, Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, Leo-Angelo Viashima, decried the spate of child trafficking in the state saying curtailing the trend is at the heart of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
He recalled that not long ago, the Governor allowed a Benue girl child to act as Governor for one day saying it was part of Alia’s way of enabling not only the girl child in the state but also giving hope to the children across the country.
While describing Alia as a listening Governor, Viashima who highlighted high cases of sexual exploitation at IDP camps, child trafficking and child labour, expressed joy at the inauguration of the committee saying he will join force with all partners to save the Benue child.
Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) Corp Commander Steve Ayodele promised to give his 100 percent support for the tasks force saying that trafficking humans can never be possible without the use of the road.
Ayodele who was represented by the Route Commander and Desk Officer for anti trafficking, Engr Monday Olofu, said officials of Road Safety has increased its search of vehicles to enable them detect trafficked victims for immediate action.
“To stop the crime even before it happens, my the sector commander directed all his patrol men all over the state to make sure they are vigilant while on patrol and as a result of this directive, a girl was rescued by our men on patrol along gboko and taken to NAPTIP,” Olofu sai
