The Child Protection Network (CPN), Plateau State, has called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle the growing incidence of child abuse across the state, after handling 36 cases within a single quarter.

The State Coordinator of the network, Sandra Chikan, described the situation as critical, rating the level of child abuse in Plateau at 9 out of 10 and warning that reported cases represent only a fraction of the problem.

Chikan disclosed this during an interview, noting that the network receives an average of at least three child protection cases every week through its helplines.

She stressed that the situation extends beyond communities affected by conflict and displacement, with children in ordinary homes and communities also exposed to violence, neglect, exploitation, substance abuse, child labour and sexual abuse.

According to her, children are increasingly being exposed to dangerous environments, including artisanal mining, with reports of children as young as three and four years old visiting mining sites.

She also raised concerns about children becoming involved in drug-related activities and spending late hours on the streets, with some reportedly found outside their homes as late as 1 a.m. or 3 a.m.

Domestic violence and neglect, she added, remain major threats, citing cases involving children allegedly beaten by guardians, denied food and forced into unsafe living conditions.

Some children employed as domestic helps or workers in restaurants have also reportedly faced exploitation, inadequate care and excessively long working hours.

Chikan warned that the vulnerability of children is further heightened when parents fail to provide adequate supervision and protection.

The CPN coordinator said the network recorded 36 cases in the last quarter, with approximately 85 per cent receiving outcomes classified as justice for the affected children.

She explained that justice does not always mean a criminal conviction, as interventions may include rescuing children from unsafe homes, reunifying them with their families, providing medical care, counselling, education or temporary shelter.

The network also operates school-based child protection clubs aimed at educating children about their rights and encouraging them to report abuse and seek help.

Against the growing challenges, the network has launched the Save the Plateau Child Initiative, a six-month fundraising campaign targeting ₦200 million.

The initiative is designed to strengthen child protection interventions across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State.

Planned activities include establishing school-based child rights clubs, creating child protection committees, strengthening the capacity of relevant agencies and stakeholders, and producing sensitisation and educational materials.

So far, child protection committees have been established in five local government areas with support from SOS, while the network plans to extend the structures to the remaining LGAs.

The Plateau State Government has contributed ₦10 million to the campaign, a development Chikan described as a demonstration of government’s commitment to child protection.

She appealed to individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and other levels of government to support the initiative.

Despite its intervention efforts, the CPN does not currently have a permanent shelter for children rescued from abusive or unsafe environments.

Chikan said the network only has a small emergency space at its office, while longer-term accommodation is arranged through partner shelters and organisations.

The network also collaborates with the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators and other child-focused organisations to provide temporary and alternative care.

Beyond emergency intervention, the CPN is participating in efforts to strengthen Plateau State’s child protection framework, including the review of the Plateau State Child Rights Law and the implementation of child rights committees at state and local government levels.

The network urged parents, communities, government institutions and other stakeholders to move beyond responding to abuse after it occurs and invest more in prevention, awareness, early reporting and community-based protection systems.

Chikan stressed that children must be given safe environments where they can speak about violence, exploitation or neglect without fear.

With abuse being reported both in conflict-affected communities and within homes and neighbourhoods, the CPN said a collective response is needed to protect vulnerable children across Plateau State.

Child Protection Network (CPN), Plateau State

Helplines:
MTN: 09033309421, 09033441242
Airtel: 08125802205, 08123911883

Email: cpnplateaustate@gmail.com

Office: Plot 14, Off Da Gwom Du Road, Peakfield Academy Street, Fwavel, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.