NUJ urges security checks on vehicles as child trafficking cases rise
About 200 children from the Irigwe community in Bassa Local Council of Plateau State have been trafficked to different parts of the country.

The Acting Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission, Mrs Olivia Dazyam, disclosed this during the 2026 Women’s Cultural Day organised by the Women’s Wing of the Irigwe Development Association at the Local Government Primary School, Chinye, in Miango District of Jos.

The disclosure raised concerns among traditional rulers, government officials and community leaders over the growing incidence of child trafficking in the area.

Dazyam described the Irigwe Chiefdom as one of the communities most affected by crises in Plateau State, noting that it also faces a rising challenge of child trafficking. She added that the situation reflects the increasing exploitation of children.

“Why are we giving out our children for trafficking? Say no to child trafficking,” she said.

While commending Irigwe women for their resilience, Dazyam cautioned against allowing economic hardship to drive families into handing over their children to traffickers.

The President of the Irigwe Development Association Women’s Wing, Mrs Mary Fwa, said the cultural day was organised to address the crisis and mobilise support for victims. She added that donations were made at the event towards empowerment initiatives for affected families.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to intensify checks on vehicles conveying children to verify their identities.

She described the rising cases of child trafficking in Plateau State as alarming and requiring urgent intervention.

Pwaspo made the call during a courtesy visit by the FRSC Sector Commander for Plateau State, Corps Commander Adelaja Sunday Ogungbemi, who met with union executives and members to strengthen collaboration.

She welcomed the sector commander and his team, stating that the council would sustain its collaboration with the corps.

She also commended the FRSC for its efforts to reduce road crashes, particularly along the Hawan Kibo axis of the Jos–Abuja road.

In his remarks, Ogungbemi urged journalists to increase coverage of FRSC activities to improve public awareness. He noted that the corps’ operations are often underreported and announced plans to organise a seminar to highlight its functions.

He added that the FRSC would prioritise the safety of road users and continue to seek public cooperation.