FCTA Seals Orphanage Accused of Child Trafficking from Plateau
In a significant development, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken decisive action by sealing the Priesthood Orphanage located in Karon Majigi Village, Abuja. This move follows the rescue of 23 children, aged between one and 14, who were allegedly trafficked from Plateau State.
Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat under the FCTA, revealed this development while handing over the rescued children to the Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Caroline Dafur, in Abuja on Monday.
Benjamins-Laniyi explained that an investigation is underway to ascertain the veracity of the trafficking allegations. Additionally, she stated that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has authorized the Secretariat to conduct a comprehensive profiling and recertification of orphanages operating within the nation’s capital.
Speaking further, Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that some of the children had been housed in the uncertified orphanage since 2019.
Echoing her sentiments, Mrs. Dafur highlighted the deplorable conditions observed at the orphanage, citing overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. She recounted the harrowing ordeal of three children who managed to escape due to the dire circumstances within the facility. These escaped children were eventually located by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps and subsequently brought to the attention of relevant authorities.
Mrs. Dafur expressed gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for facilitating the safe evacuation of the children to the Karu Children’s Home, emphasizing the need for swift action to address the distressing situation.
This development underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and regulation of orphanages to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable children and prevent instances of exploitation and trafficking.
