Plateau gender commission rescues 39 trafficked children, secures conviction

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission on Monday said it has, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, brought back 39 children who were trafficked across the country.

The commission also stated that it was able to bring back some girls trafficked to Ghana, and the masterminds are standing trial.

It further noted that the agency has secured its first conviction, where the perpetrator has been sentenced to prison.

This was disclosed by Barrister Olivia Dazyam, Acting Executive Chairperson of the commission, while briefing journalists in Jos, the state capital, in commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which is celebrated every 28th day of September yearly.

She said, “The International Day for Access to Information is a day set aside by the United Nations to assess progress made in promoting access to information since the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.

“Access to information plays an important role in development, democracy, and equality; hence the need to promote and protect access to information as a fundamental human right.

“The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities commission is leveraging this to provide members of the press with information on the activities of the commission, to bring to the knowledge of citizens the issues the commission has been dealing with and tackling.

“It is important at this point to state that it is only when citizens are adequately informed that they can make informed choices, giving impetus to the saying that information is power.

“Just as everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information, everyone also needs to know the consequences of wrong choices as a result of false or half-baked information.

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”

“This is apt considering the information we will be providing you today.

According to her, “Since the establishment of thec commission by Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang in November 2023, the commission has been inundated with cases of sexual and gender-based violence, abandonment of spouse, children, and other dependants without sustenance, and trafficking.

“Almost on a daily basis, we receive cases of fathers refusing to cater for their children, mothers abandoning their marriages, parents giving out their children in the guise of seeking a better life, and women selling their babies in the name of not having the capacity to cater for them.

“As a result of these myriad of issues, the commission engaged with different stakeholders from the community and religious levels to create awareness of the dangers posed by these issues.

“The commission has leveraged programs organized by women’s groups and other organizations to create awareness of the existing legal framework in the state and the danger posed by the negligent attitude of parents in the state.

“The commission, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women Affairs, has been able to bring back about thirty-nine Plateau children who were trafficked to other states of Nigeria,” she explained.

“Similarly, some of our girls trafficked to Ghana have been brought back while the masterminds are already standing trial in the state.

“The commission is proud to state that we were able to secure our first conviction, where the perpetrator was sentenced to thirty days in prison,” she maintained.

“It may look like a light sentence, but it goes to show that we have the legal muscle to tackle cases of sexual and gender-based violence to serve as a deterrent.

“As we speak now, many cases of sexual and gender-based violence are currently being prosecuted in our courts. For the avoidance of doubt, the laws provide for punishment for these various offenses.

“Some of these laws are the Gender and Equal Opportunities Law, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, the Child Rights Law, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank the governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for his unwavering support to provide a Plateau where the social protection network is second to none and will not tolerate the maltreatment of all persons, particularly children, either in the name of culture or religion.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission is ready to take on anyone who flouts the law and will use every available instrument to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of our citizens.

“We also must appreciate the collaboration and partnership we enjoy from the different organizations, including the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Office of the Attorney General, Vigilante, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

“We still use this opportunity to appeal for sustained collaboration from the generality of the people of Plateau State to see something, say something, and do something,” Dazyam stressed.

“Neighbourhood watch is highly commended for their efforts, but we want the community to be up and doing and should know that they have a right to question any illegality they see around.

“Let me use this time to commend an elderly landlady who noticed some questionable activities in her compound and drew the attention of community leaders, which led to the discovery of a pregnant girl who had been persuaded to sell her baby upon delivery.

“We must know that an injury to one is an injury to all.”

D

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission on Monday said it has, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, brought back 39 children who were trafficked across the country.

The commission also stated that it was able to bring back some girls trafficked to Ghana, and the masterminds are standing trial.

It further noted that the agency has secured its first conviction, where the perpetrator has been sentenced to prison.

This was disclosed by Barrister Olivia Dazyam, Acting Executive Chairperson of the commission, while briefing journalists in Jos, the state capital, in commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which is celebrated every 28th day of September yearly.

She said, “The International Day for Access to Information is a day set aside by the United Nations to assess progress made in promoting access to information since the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.

“Access to information plays an important role in development, democracy, and equality; hence the need to promote and protect access to information as a fundamental human right.

“The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities commission is leveraging this to provide members of the press with information on the activities of the commission, to bring to the knowledge of citizens the issues the commission has been dealing with and tackling.

“It is important at this point to state that it is only when citizens are adequately informed that they can make informed choices, giving impetus to the saying that information is power.

“Just as everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information, everyone also needs to know the consequences of wrong choices as a result of false or half-baked information.

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”

“This is apt considering the information we will be providing you today.

According to her, “Since the establishment of thec commission by Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang in November 2023, the commission has been inundated with cases of sexual and gender-based violence, abandonment of spouse, children, and other dependants without sustenance, and trafficking.

“Almost on a daily basis, we receive cases of fathers refusing to cater for their children, mothers abandoning their marriages, parents giving out their children in the guise of seeking a better life, and women selling their babies in the name of not having the capacity to cater for them.

“As a result of these myriad of issues, the commission engaged with different stakeholders from the community and religious levels to create awareness of the dangers posed by these issues.

“The commission has leveraged programs organized by women’s groups and other organizations to create awareness of the existing legal framework in the state and the danger posed by the negligent attitude of parents in the state.

“The commission, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women Affairs, has been able to bring back about thirty-nine Plateau children who were trafficked to other states of Nigeria,” she explained.

“Similarly, some of our girls trafficked to Ghana have been brought back while the masterminds are already standing trial in the state.

“The commission is proud to state that we were able to secure our first conviction, where the perpetrator was sentenced to thirty days in prison,” she maintained.

“It may look like a light sentence, but it goes to show that we have the legal muscle to tackle cases of sexual and gender-based violence to serve as a deterrent.

“As we speak now, many cases of sexual and gender-based violence are currently being prosecuted in our courts. For the avoidance of doubt, the laws provide for punishment for these various offenses.

“Some of these laws are the Gender and Equal Opportunities Law, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, the Child Rights Law, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank the governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for his unwavering support to provide a Plateau where the social protection network is second to none and will not tolerate the maltreatment of all persons, particularly children, either in the name of culture or religion.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission is ready to take on anyone who flouts the law and will use every available instrument to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of our citizens.

“We also must appreciate the collaboration and partnership we enjoy from the different organizations, including the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Office of the Attorney General, Vigilante, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

“We still use this opportunity to appeal for sustained collaboration from the generality of the people of Plateau State to see something, say something, and do something,” Dazyam stressed.

“Neighbourhood watch is highly commended for their efforts, but we want the community to be up and doing and should know that they have a right to question any illegality they see around.

“Let me use this time to commend an elderly landlady who noticed some questionable activities in her compound and drew the attention of community leaders, which led to the discovery of a pregnant girl who had been persuaded to sell her baby upon delivery.

“We must know that an injury to one is an injury to all.”

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission on Monday said it has, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, brought back 39 children who were trafficked across the country.

The commission also stated that it was able to bring back some girls trafficked to Ghana, and the masterminds are standing trial.

It further noted that the agency has secured its first conviction, where the perpetrator has been sentenced to prison.

This was disclosed by Barrister Olivia Dazyam, Acting Executive Chairperson of the commission, while briefing journalists in Jos, the state capital, in commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which is celebrated every 28th day of September yearly.

She said, “The International Day for Access to Information is a day set aside by the United Nations to assess progress made in promoting access to information since the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.

“Access to information plays an important role in development, democracy, and equality; hence the need to promote and protect access to information as a fundamental human right.

“The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities commission is leveraging this to provide members of the press with information on the activities of the commission, to bring to the knowledge of citizens the issues the commission has been dealing with and tackling.

“It is important at this point to state that it is only when citizens are adequately informed that they can make informed choices, giving impetus to the saying that information is power.

“Just as everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information, everyone also needs to know the consequences of wrong choices as a result of false or half-baked information.

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”

“This is apt considering the information we will be providing you today.

According to her, “Since the establishment of thec commission by Barr. Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang in November 2023, the commission has been inundated with cases of sexual and gender-based violence, abandonment of spouse, children, and other dependants without sustenance, and trafficking.

“Almost on a daily basis, we receive cases of fathers refusing to cater for their children, mothers abandoning their marriages, parents giving out their children in the guise of seeking a better life, and women selling their babies in the name of not having the capacity to cater for them.

“As a result of these myriad of issues, the commission engaged with different stakeholders from the community and religious levels to create awareness of the dangers posed by these issues.

“The commission has leveraged programs organized by women’s groups and other organizations to create awareness of the existing legal framework in the state and the danger posed by the negligent attitude of parents in the state.

“The commission, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women Affairs, has been able to bring back about thirty-nine Plateau children who were trafficked to other states of Nigeria,” she explained.

“Similarly, some of our girls trafficked to Ghana have been brought back while the masterminds are already standing trial in the state.

“The commission is proud to state that we were able to secure our first conviction, where the perpetrator was sentenced to thirty days in prison,” she maintained.

“It may look like a light sentence, but it goes to show that we have the legal muscle to tackle cases of sexual and gender-based violence to serve as a deterrent.

“As we speak now, many cases of sexual and gender-based violence are currently being prosecuted in our courts. For the avoidance of doubt, the laws provide for punishment for these various offenses.

“Some of these laws are the Gender and Equal Opportunities Law, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, the Child Rights Law, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank the governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for his unwavering support to provide a Plateau where the social protection network is second to none and will not tolerate the maltreatment of all persons, particularly children, either in the name of culture or religion.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission is ready to take on anyone who flouts the law and will use every available instrument to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of our citizens.

“We also must appreciate the collaboration and partnership we enjoy from the different organizations, including the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Office of the Attorney General, Vigilante, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

“We still use this opportunity to appeal for sustained collaboration from the generality of the people of Plateau State to see something, say something, and do something,” Dazyam stressed.

“Neighbourhood watch is highly commended for their efforts, but we want the community to be up and doing and should know that they have a right to question any illegality they see around.

“Let me use this time to commend an elderly landlady who noticed some questionable activities in her compound and drew the attention of community leaders, which led to the discovery of a pregnant girl who had been persuaded to sell her baby upon delivery.

“We must know that an injury to one is an injury to all.”

Plateau gender commission rescues 39 trafficked children, secures conviction

  • Related Posts

    BREAKING: Nigerian Journalist Fejiro Oliver Slams N1billion Lawsuit Against Delta Governor Oborevwori, Senator Dafinone, IGP, Others

    Also named in the suit challenging the enforcement of his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, privacy and freedom of movement, are the Inspector General of…

    EXCLUSIVE: Daughter Of Former NFF Technical Director Accuses MFM General Overseer Olukoya Of Sexual Harassment, Withholding Husband’s Music Works

    In a detailed account shared with SaharaReporters on Monday, Roberts, who is the widow of the late MFM youth pastor and gospel music minister, Pastor Tope Roberts, appealed to Olukoya…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    Nigeria’s Shea Sector Rebounds as Local Processing Spurs Revenue Growth

    Medplus Drives Sustainable Growth in Beauty Industry

    Nestlé Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Skills Development, Graduates 20

    Legend Internet Receives Investment-grade Rating from Agusto & Co

    Phoenix Steel Boosts Productivity through Eligible Customer Programme

    Renaissance Unveils Continental Business Strategy, Eyes Expansion 

    “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN:” FG speaks on Dangote refinery workers’ dispute

    “Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN:” FG speaks on Dangote refinery workers’ dispute

    CBN directs banks to submit monthly reports on POS agents activities 

    Transforming energy solutions: Starsight Energy’s vision for Nigerian businesses  

    Nigeria Startup Act: NITDA names Iyin Aboyeji, 3 others for Innovation Council 

    JAMB mandates Microsoft Camera for CBT centres ahead of 2026 UTME registration 

    PZ Cussons shares rally 22% after Q1 profit beats full-year record 

    Livestock Policy: Nigeria unveils new framework to boost food security 

    Dangote Refinery: Shettima warns PENGASSAN against disrupting operations

    SendOva launches in the UK to redefine cross-border remittances

    From Renters to Owners: FG-backed mortgage reforms help 700+ Nigerians secure homes in 6 Months 

    FGN Savings Bond: DMO opens October offer at 14.06%, 15.06%

    Markets in shock: 25% capital gains tax, PenCom rules & Naira outlook  

    Cooking gas price soars to N3,000 per kg in Lagos amid scarcity 

    Gold hits $3,900 after 50% year-to-date rally

    Payaza sets new African Fintech Standard with N20.3 billion ($13.5M) Debt Redemption and Triple Credit Rating upgrades

    CPPE seeks new law to protect investors, employers in Nigeria 

    Seplat Energy ties Africa’s prosperity to Domestic Gas Development 

    Presco launches academy, training Africa’s next agriculture business leaders 

    FCCPC approves sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) to UAC of Nigeria PLC 

    AccessCorp, Aradel Holdings, MTN, two others get analysts’ buy recommendation  

    Top 10 African countries with the largest number of airports and airfields 

    NiMet forecasts 3 days thunderstorm, heavy rain across Nigeria

    Jaiz Bank, FCMB Group, Julius Berger top stock pick this week

    Jaiz Bank, FCMB Group, Julius Berger top stock pick this week

    NUPRC approved 79 FDPs with $40 billion potential investment within two years – Official

    NUPRC approved 79 FDPs with $40 billion potential investment within two years – Official

    FG revamps agricultural education to boost food security, jobs

    Trillion-Naira club: 10 most profitable heavyweight stocks in Q3 2025 

    United Capital: Profit up, stock down; is the market overlooking its growth 

    Capital Gains Tax on equities triggers investor panic, capital flight fears 

    Sahara Group targets 350,000 bbl/d, acquires new seven oil rigs

    NUPRC: Nigeria’s rig count surges to 69