The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken swift action by sealing the Priesthood Orphanage in Karon Majigi Village, Abuja, following the rescue of 23 children aged between one and 14 from the facility. The children, suspected to have been trafficked from Plateau State, were found in distressing conditions, prompting urgent intervention from authorities.
Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, revealed these developments while officially handing over the rescued children to Mrs. Caroline Dafur, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Plateau State, in Abuja on Monday.
Benjamins-Laniyi disclosed that an investigation was underway to uncover the facts surrounding the alleged trafficking. Additionally, she announced that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had authorized the Secretariat to conduct a comprehensive profiling and recertification of orphanages operating within the nation’s capital.
“The Minister has approved a thorough reprofiling and recertification process for all orphanages in Abuja,” stated Benjamins-Laniyi. “This incident serves as a catalyst for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children under our care.”
Efforts are already underway to reunite the rescued children with their families, with the Secretariat collaborating closely with Dafur to facilitate the process. Shockingly, it was revealed that some of the children had been residing in the uncertified orphanage since 2019.
Mrs. Dafur shed light on the deplorable conditions observed at the orphanage, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. She recounted how three children managed to escape due to the abysmal living conditions and were subsequently discovered by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Following the distressing discovery, the FRSC officials reported the case to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which led to further action. The children were eventually taken to the Human Rights Radio, Abuja, prompting swift response from both the Plateau Government and the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.
Expressing gratitude for the assistance provided by the mandate secretary, Mrs. Dafur underscored the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable children. The prompt evacuation of the children to the Karu Children’s Home signifies a step towards ensuring their safety and well-being.
