Nigeria’s first professor of the Anthropology of Conflict Management and Peace Studies, Prof. Elias Lamle of the University of Jos, has sounded the alarm over the rising cases of human trafficking in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, with disturbing reports of children being trafficked for labour and cattle herding across Nigeria and abroad.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organized by Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) in partnership with Women for Women International on Friday, May 23, Prof. Lamle described the trend as a growing humanitarian crisis that threatens the future of younger generations in Tarokland.

“We are seeing deeply troubling cases,” Prof. Lamle said. “Children from Langtang have been trafficked as far as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Beyond traditional trafficking, we now observe a disturbing pattern of children being trafficked specifically to rear cattle for others. This exploitation must not continue.”

He stressed the need for urgent prosecution of perpetrators, including relatives who send children away without their consent. “It’s time we face the fact that even sending a child to a relative without proper arrangements and consent is a crime. We must enforce the law without compromise,” he emphasized.

The town hall, themed “Human Trafficking Awareness and Support Services,” brought together stakeholders including Women leaders, Police Command, government agencies, ward councillors, the academia and community leaders.

CWEENS Program Manager, Dirmicit Pyentam, noted that Langtang North has witnessed an upsurge in trafficking cases, many involving minors. “We have rehabilitated survivors in our shelter and felt the need to bring awareness directly to this community,” she said. “This town hall is to engage stakeholders, promote preventive strategies, and ensure better response mechanisms.”

She urged participants to remain vigilant: “If you see something, say something. Domestic servitude is a state crime, and communities must work together to end this menace.”

Representing the Executive Chairman of Langtang North LGA, Council Secretary Hon. Danjuma described the engagement as timely and critical. “This menace has plagued our society. We must take this message to our churches, mosques, and every gathering,” he said, advocating for empowerment programs and skill acquisition as deterrents to trafficking driven by poverty.

Ward Councillors Hon. Ponji and Hon. Tirpen Pentam echoed the sentiments, expressing commitment to take the lessons from the event back to their communities. “We will work with traditional rulers and community members to educate them on the dangers of trafficking and the importance of safeguarding our children,” said Hon. Tirpen.

CWEENS, a CAC-registered NGO founded in 2010, operates in 14 states and the FCT. In Plateau State, it manages a safe house and a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Observatory, offering support and facilitating reporting mechanisms for gender-based violence.

The town hall in Langtang North is part of CWEENS’ broader anti-trafficking strategy, following similar engagements in Riyom LGA, with plans to expand across more local government areas to deepen community sensitization and response.

“We cannot allow this to consume our future,” Prof. Lamle concluded. “Saving the next generation starts now—with awareness, enforcement, and accountability.”