by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Leadership of Standup for Women Society (SWS) has expressed “deep concern and outrage” over the alarming increase in cases of child trafficking and kidnapping across Nigeria, particularly the recent disturbing incidents reported in Oyo, Kebbi, Borno (Maiduguri), and several other states.
To this effect, a statement was signed by Barr. Mrs. Deborah A. Ijadele-Adetona of President International Standup for Women Society (SWS) in Jos recently.
She called on the Federal Government, National Assembly, State Governors, Traditional Institutions, Religious Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, Parents, and all Nigerians to treat child trafficking and kidnapping as “matters of national security and urgent public concern.”
While expressing sadness over these heinous crimes, she lamented that, these “are not isolated occurrences; they represent a growing national crisis that threatens the safety, dignity, rights, and future of Nigerian children.”
SWS stressed that, “Every child abducted, trafficked, exploited, or subjected to violence is a painful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of the society.”
The Association further condemned these acts of cruelty and criminality against innocent children, and sympathized with families whose children have been kidnapped, trafficked, traumatized, or lost to criminal networks.
“We also commend the courage of survivors, parents, community leaders, and stakeholders, who continue to fight tirelessly, against these atrocities.
“While we acknowledge the efforts of security agencies and some state governments in rescuing victims and apprehending suspects, we strongly believe that reactive measures alone are no longer sufficient.”
According to the statement, Nigeria requires a coordinated, proactive, and adequately-funded national strategy to dismantle trafficking syndicates and eradicate child kidnapping across the country.
“In the light of this, Standup for Women Society (SWS) calls for urgent actions, which include the immediate establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Child Trafficking and Kidnapping to coordinate intelligence gathering, rescue operations, victim support services, and prosecution efforts across all states.
“Others include the swift prosecution and public disclosure of convicted traffickers and kidnappers to serve as a deterrent and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
It also called for the establishment of functional state-owned shelters, rehabilitation centres, and trauma recovery facilities in Oyo, Kebbi, Borno, and other identified hotspots to support rescued children and aid their reintegration into society.
SWS is equally calling for increased funding and operational support for NAPTIP, the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, immigration authorities, and community-based security structures to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing, tracking, and dismantling trafficking and kidnapping networks.
They also called for the Creation of Child Protection Desks in schools, markets, motor parks, healthcare facilities, and border communities, staffed by trained personnel capable of identifying, reporting, and responding to child protection concerns.
There also should be the implementation of sustained public awareness and sensitization campaigns in local languages to educate parents, guardians, and communities on the tactics used by traffickers and kidnappers, while promoting vigilance and early reporting.
Standup for Women Society also cautioned those, who profit from the suffering of children, saying, “Their actions are evil, inhuman, and unacceptable.”
“The women of this nation are standing up. We will continue to mobilize, advocate, collaborate, and demand accountability until every Nigerian child can live in safety, dignity, and freedom,” she assured.
The body called on citizens thus: “If you see something, say something; silence enables criminality. Protecting our children is not the responsibility of government alone – it is a collective duty that requires the participation of every citizen.
“As we reflect on this year’s Children’s Day theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ we must recognize that there can be no meaningful inclusion when children are being trafficked, kidnapped, exploited, or denied their right to safety and opportunity. There can be no secure future when the present remains unsafe.”
“Standup for Women Society (SWS) remains committed to working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind, exploited, abused, trafficked, or forgotten.”