The Executive Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti, stated on Tuesday that his council ranks second, if not first, in child trafficking within the state.

Riti revealed that 20 trafficked children had been repatriated to the council through relentless efforts supported by the state government.

Speaking at a media parley to mark his one-year anniversary in office, he noted that those children who had gained their freedom from traffickers were unable to speak their mother tongue, except the language of the area to which they were trafficked.

Amid the insecurity ravaging the local government left, right, and centre, Riti pointed out that the council had begged the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Division, Jos, to create an avenue where the people of Bassa can live in peace.

According to him, the council is mobilising strong youths to also assist the 3 Division of the Army in order to reduce the carnage to the barest minimum.

On the deplorable state of the road leading to the council, he said he was to intervene but was told that the road is under litigation, which made him retreat until the legal issue is resolved, because 6.5 kilometres of road repair were promised to each local government by the state government.

Riti said that the council wants to open rural roads in partnership with the World Bank to make the roads motorable.

Riti added that he was in the council to rebuild it, having decided to leave the university to come and rebuild Bassa council so that he will leave it better than he found it.

He urged the people to continue supporting the council and to back the “Time is Now Administration” of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Other staff of the local administration also spoke on the occasion, congratulating him on his achievements during his one year, noting that he left the University of Jos to rebuild Bassa council.