Group raises alarm over rising child trafficking, kidnappings in Nigeria

…Demands task force, funding, shelters, prosecutions

The Standup for Women Society (SWS) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of child trafficking and kidnapping across Nigeria, describing the trend as a growing national crisis that threatens the safety, dignity, rights and future of children.

In a statement signed by Deborah Ijadele-Adetona, the International President of SWS and made available to Journalists on Tuesday in Jos, the organization condemned recent incidents reported in Oyo, Kebbi, Borno and other states, while calling for urgent and coordinated national action to tackle the menace.

“We express deep concern and outrage over the alarming increase in cases of child trafficking and kidnapping across Nigeria. These heinous crimes are not isolated occurrences; they represent a growing national crisis that threatens the safety, dignity, rights and future of Nigerian children,” the statement said.

“Every child abducted, trafficked, exploited or subjected to violence is a painful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society. We sympathize with affected families and commend survivors, parents, community leaders and stakeholders working to combat these atrocities,” it added.

While acknowledging efforts by security agencies and some state governments in rescuing victims and arresting suspects, SWS maintained that reactive measures alone were no longer sufficient, stressing the need for a proactive and adequately funded national strategy to dismantle trafficking syndicates and end child kidnapping.

The organization called for the immediate establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Child Trafficking and Kidnapping, increased funding for security and anti-trafficking agencies, swift prosecution of offenders, and the creation of state-owned shelters and rehabilitation centres for rescued children.

SWS also urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, state governors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups and citizens to treat child trafficking and kidnapping as national security concerns, insisting that protecting children is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of all Nigerians.