Plateau State first lady, Barr.(Mrs.) Helen Mutfwang have raised concern over the rising incident of child trafficking in the state, calling on all stakeholders to rise up to the occasion of eliminating the ugly trend.

She said that child trafficking is a criminal offense punishable under the child Right Act, and the trafficking in persons (Prohibition).

The first lady made this known on Friday during the end of the year 2023 dinner and award night presentation of Standup For Women Society (SWS), held at De bridge Hotel in Jos.

Represented by Barr. (Mrs) Olivia Dazyam, Plateau State acting chairman of gender and equal opportunities, the first lady revealed that Plateau state government recently repatriated twelve children from Lagos State and rescued two others that were about to be sent out of the country. 
She lamented the involvement of certain communities in child trafficking, adding that the continuous attacks on communities in the state made the state vulnerable to child         trafficking. 

She however, warned that government would not tolerate any form migration to other state for child labour, assured government determination to partner with SWS and stakeholders in this regard. 

"To halt the menace of child-trafficking parents and communities must  work together in unism with a view to  voicing out against  child-trafficking", said Mrs. Mutfwang.

SWS International President, Barr. Lib Deborah Ijadele -Adetona, represented by the Vice president North Central, Ladi Emmanuel, revealed that the organization is five years old with over 24 countries as registered members including United  Kingdom as the organization is into partnership with the United Nation (UN) Women towards improving the life of the less privileged women in the country.

Adetona commended SWS Plateau State chapter for always being a pace setters among all the states in the Federation. Noting, "standing for each other is our first priority for a better society."
She also condoled with the government and good people Plateau State over the unfortunate incident of attacks occurred 24th and 25th December, 2023 in some communities of Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu local governments which claimed several lives especially Women and children as she prayed for God's divine intervention towards protecting the citizens of the State.

Earlier, the chairperson of SWS plateau state chapter, Lib. Mrs. Grace Joseph Gora disclosed that the event aimed at raising funds to support the less privileged, award members of the public that had contributed immensely towards development, support and empowerment of women folk in diverse ways, as well as  availing members a platform to  unwined after a year long hard-work.

The Director, centre for Excellence, Federal College of Education Pankshin, Dr. Mrs. Zippora Duguryil while presenting a paper titled" Child Trafficking a Menace of the Hour "tasked SWS members to act in their spears of influence to create massive awareness on the dangers of child-trafficking.

The highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to sixteen (16)persons and some food Items were given to women in attendance  by Standup For Women Society.