The Child Protection Network, CPN, has raised the alarm over the rising abuse and exploitation of children in Plateau State, citing artisanal mining, drug abuse, trafficking, domestic violence and neglect among major threats.
The State Coordinator of CPN, Mrs Sandra Dirmwa Chikan, rated the level of child abuse in the state at nine out of 10, saying the problem had gone beyond conflict-related challenges.
Speaking in an interview in Jos, Chikan said the network receives at least three child protection cases weekly through its helpline, while other organisations also receive cases across the state.
“On a weekly basis, we receive an average of not less than three cases, which means that in a month, we receive several cases through our helpline alone.”
She said children as young as three and four years were being exposed to artisanal mining, while older children were increasingly involved in substance abuse and drug peddling.
“We’re having children who have been exposed to artisanal mining. So three-year-olds, four-year-olds who are already going to the mining sites. Then we have seven-year-olds, eight-year-olds being reported staying out late, 1 a.m., 3 a.m. They’re engaging in substance abuse.”
Chikan also raised concern over child trafficking, domestic violence and neglect, particularly involving children living with relatives, guardians or working as domestic helps.
“We have had girls who had come from neighbouring states who have also been subject to abuses in the home. A boy sleeping in care, being beaten every day, not getting food. Girls, underage, doing hard labour, working from morning till night in restaurants without getting food to eat. Neglect is high.”
She disclosed that CPN handled 36 cases in the last quarter, with 85 per cent receiving interventions ranging from family reunification and medical care to counselling, schooling and shelter.
The coordinator explained that CPN is a coalition of government and non-governmental actors, including the Ministries of Justice and Women Affairs, working to improve the referral and response system for child-related cases.
She said funding remained a major challenge, as the network requires resources for rescue operations, medical treatment, transportation, trauma counselling, shelter and follow-up of cases.
Chikan disclosed that the network had launched the Save the Plateau Child Initiative, with a target of raising N200 million within six months to establish school-based child rights clubs and child protection committees across the 17 local government areas.
She commended the Plateau State Government for contributing N10 million as its initial support to the Child Protection Fund and appealed to individuals, businesses and organisations to support efforts to protect children across the state.
Report any cases of Child abuse through;
Helplines: 09033309421, 09033441242, 08125802205, 08123911883
Email: cpnplateaustate@gmail.com
Facebook: Child Protection Network (CPN) Plateau State and LinkedIn: Child Protection Network Plateau State.
You may also visit our office at Plot 14, off Da Gwom Du Road, Peakfield Academy Street, Fwavel, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.
Do not ignore child abuse. Report it. Protect a child. Save a life.
