Plateau State Authorities Rescue Five Children from Human Trafficking Ring
In a significant operation, the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, working closely with security agencies, has successfully rescued five children who were being trafficked to Calabar, Cross River State. The rescue mission underscores the persistent threat of human trafficking in the region and the collaborative efforts to address it.
Details of the Rescue Operation
The rescue took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026, at the Ngo Tallatu Jang motor park in Jos, Plateau State. Authorities acted swiftly on a tip-off, leading to the arrest of three suspects identified as Lydia Bulus, Linda Monday, and Esther Solomon. The children, who were in the process of being transported, include three from the Utan community in Jos North Local Government Area and two twins from the Irigwe Chiefdom in Bassa Local Government Area.
Olivia Dazyam, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, expressed deep concern over the incident. She highlighted that despite extensive awareness campaigns, human trafficking continues to plague communities. "This morning, together with the wife of the Chairman of Bassa Local Government and staff of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), we acted on a tip-off and rescued these children," Dazyam stated.
Legal and Community Response
Dazyam emphasized the seriousness of child trafficking under the law, calling it a grave offence. She urged the people of Plateau State to unite in combating this crime. "I want to call on the people of Plateau State to unite and say no to these activities. Virtually all our local governments have perpetrators, and we must work together to fish them out," she added.
The commission has appealed to local governments, particularly those identified as hot spots, to enhance cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. An ongoing investigation is expected to yield more information about the trafficking network from the arrested suspects.
Broader Implications and Advice to Parents
In her remarks, Dazyam also addressed the root causes of trafficking, cautioning parents against releasing their children to unknown individuals due to poverty. "Poverty is not an excuse for releasing your child to somebody you don't know," she asserted. She advised parents to follow due legal processes when adopting or relocating children to prevent such incidents.
This rescue operation highlights the critical role of community vigilance and inter-agency collaboration in tackling human trafficking. As the investigation progresses, authorities remain committed to dismantling trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable children in Plateau State and beyond.
