By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Child Protection Network (CPN) has issued an urgent call to action, urging government authorities, parents, communities, and stakeholders to intensify efforts against rising cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, and neglect in the state.
The Network made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration themed, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the Plateau State Coordinator of CPN, Sandra Dirmwa Chikan, said the theme reflects a national commitment to ensuring that no child is excluded regardless of background, vulnerability, or location.
According to her, the reality facing many children in Plateau State sharply contradicts the spirit of the celebration, as increasing cases of abuse, trafficking, child labour, drug addiction, and neglect continue to threaten the future of vulnerable children.
She challenged both authorities and the public to honestly confront the worsening situation affecting children across the state.
“We cannot authentically champion a ‘Future Now’ while structural gaps continue to compromise the present realities of our children. True inclusion demands that our actions match our rhetoric,” she stated.
Chikan lamented that the Network’s offices and emergency lines are constantly overwhelmed with distress calls involving child abuse, trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation.
She described the situation as a collective failure of society, warning that mere celebrations without concrete action amount to “playing to the gallery.”
The Coordinator highlighted several disturbing trends currently affecting children in Plateau State, including viral exploitation of minors on social media, child trafficking across borders, severe domestic abuse, hazardous child labour in mining communities, and rising cases of mental health challenges and substance addiction among children.
According to her, many trafficked and abused children are repatriated from neighbouring states and countries emotionally damaged, addicted to substances, and abandoned by families who failed to protect them.
She further decried the absence of adequate state shelters and rehabilitation centres to support rescued victims.
“Horrific cases continue to emerge involving infants, toddlers, and older children being abused by those entrusted with their care. Some parents even hand over their children to trafficking and forced labour networks,” she added.
The Network also expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children engaged in hazardous artisanal mining activities across several local government areas.
Despite the concerns, CPN commended the Plateau State Government for recent efforts aimed at strengthening child protection systems in the state.
Among the achievements acknowledged were the establishment of the Plateau State Child Rights Implementation Committee (CRIC), the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, and the creation of a dedicated data office within the Ministry of Women Affairs using the “Children First” software to track children in care institutions.
The organization also praised the support provided by the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), and other law enforcement agencies working to monitor orphanages and uphold child welfare standards.
However, the Network stressed that inadequate funding continues to hinder effective implementation of these initiatives.
“Frameworks alone cannot rescue a child in crisis,” Chikan said, noting that interventions targeting displaced children, orphans, out-of-school children, and traumatised victims remain stalled due to lack of financial support.
The Network also referenced the controversial case involving a four-year-old defilement survivor recently dismissed by the Office of the Attorney General.
According to CPN, authorities explained that the dismissal was procedural and intended to allow for further investigations and stronger evidence gathering.
Nevertheless, the organization demanded clarification over the defendant’s repeated failure to appear in court and allegations that the suspect attempted to remove the child from school despite an active restraining order.
“We expect all judicial and law enforcement actors to uphold the highest standards of child-centred justice,” the statement added.
The Network warned that it would closely monitor the matter and intervene if there are signs of compromise or failure to protect the rights of the child.
CPN further outlined several urgent recommendations, including the immediate release of statutory funding to the Child Rights Implementation Committee, establishment of state-backed transit shelters and rehabilitation centres for survivors of abuse and trafficking, strict monitoring of orphanages and care institutions, and operational support for Community Child Protection Committees across all 17 local government areas.
The organization also called for mandatory quarterly stakeholder review meetings involving security agencies, community leaders, peace-building agencies, and child protection groups to strengthen referral systems and address emerging threats.
It equally urged the government to ensure transparent and direct disbursement of welfare resources meant for displaced, orphaned, traumatised, and vulnerable children.
“When you see a child in need and turn a blind eye, you are not neutral. You are fanning the flames of abuse and injustice,” Chikan warned.
She further stated that anyone who diverts resources meant for child protection contributes to the destruction of future generations.
The Network called on the Plateau State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, parents, and citizens to move beyond ceremonial celebrations and commit themselves to the protection, survival, and future of every child in the state.