Plateau: Over 20 Trafficked Children Rescued and Reunited With Families in Bassa LGA
Story: written by JosephOctober 27,2025
Authorities in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State have successfully rescued and returned more than 20 trafficked children to their families, following coordinated operations across different regions of the country.
The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Sunday Riti, revealed the development during a press briefing at the council headquarters. He described child trafficking in Bassa as a worsening crisis that demands urgent intervention.
According to Riti, the local government remains one of the hardest-hit areas in Plateau State, with numerous children unlawfully taken from their communities.
“Bassa is unfortunately among the leading local government areas battling child trafficking,” he stated. “Only recently, 14 of our children were recovered through joint efforts with the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission and the State Ministry of Women Affairs.”
He explained that many of the trafficked children were transported to cities such as Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, where their identities and languages were altered, making reintegration more challenging.
Riti expressed concern over the long-term psychological and cultural impact on the victims, noting that several now bear new names and can only communicate in unfamiliar languages.
To combat this trend, the Chairman announced plans to set up a dedicated task force aimed at preventing trafficking, eliminating child labour in local mining sites, and ensuring swift prosecution of guardians who allow their children to be exploited.
He called for stronger community vigilance, institutional collaboration, and public awareness to safeguard children and protect vulnerable households from trafficking syndicates
