Benue Assembly raises concern over missing children, urges DSS action

The Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday expressed concern over the rising cases of missing children in the state.

Lawmakers urged the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter.

The call followed a motion moved by Mr Douglas Akya (APC, Makurdi South) during plenary on Thursday in Makurdi.

Akya disclosed that seven children were abducted in Makurdi earlier this month.

He listed Kananfe Jika, 4, Shimen Tyonenge, 5 and Kakuman Tyonenge, 7, all of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Apir, among those missing.

According to him, the criminal acts have devastating effects on the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of children and undermine the security and social fabric of the state.

Akya further said that child trafficking is a grave violation of human rights.

The legislator stated that the Child Rights Act 2003 criminalises the trafficking and abduction of children.

He, however, noted that despite existing laws and security agencies, the situation continues unabated.