Benue Assembly seeks probe into rising cases of missing children

The Benue State House of Assembly has called on security agencies to intensify investigations into the growing cases of missing children in the state.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Douglas Akya (APC, Makurdi South) during plenary in Makurdi on Thursday.

Akya told the House that no fewer than seven children were abducted in Makurdi in September. He identified some of the victims as four-year-old Kananfe Jika, five-year-old Shimen Tyonenge, and seven-year-old Kakuman Tyonenge, all children of staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Apir.

He lamented that the development was not only traumatising for families but also a major threat to the security of the state.

The lawmaker reminded colleagues that Nigeria is a signatory to several international and regional treaties on the protection of children, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

He noted that despite the provisions of the Child Rights Act, 2003, which criminalises child trafficking and abduction, incidents of missing children persist.

The motion was seconded by Hon. Terna Shimawua (APC, Kyan), who urged parents to be more vigilant.

In his ruling, Speaker Alfred Emberga directed the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, Justice and Public Order, alongside relevant agencies, to intensify efforts at preventing child trafficking and providing support for victims and their families.

He further urged the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to strengthen surveillance at border communities and transit routes.

The Speaker mandated the House Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs to interface with heads of security agencies in the state.

He also appealed to the government, in collaboration with religious leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations, to embark on widespread sensitisation campaigns on child protection and the dangers of trafficking.

The Clerk of the House, Bem Mela, was directed to communicate the resolutions to relevant authorities for immediate action.