Benue State Governor, Hyacient Alia, has inaugurated the state steering committee of the Save the Benue Child project to mitigate child trafficking in the state.
While performing the ceremony in Makurdi on Friday, the governor said the Benue child has faced serious challenges over the years, and all hands must be on deck to change the narrative.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, the governor said the Benue child is facing issues ranging from a lack of quality education to healthcare to nutritional deficits, among others.
He said the state government planned to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach, engagements and the provision of support services.
“Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure.
“From inadequate access to education and healthcare to the harsh impacts of crises, poverty and neglect. These young lives are at risk, but we also recognise an immense opportunity to effect meaningful change and forge a path towards hope.
“The “Save the Benue Child” project is not just a response to these challenges; it is also a commitment to action. The goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.
“We will focus on activities such as improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse and the provision of support services for vulnerable rescued children,” he stated.
