In a significant move to safeguard the lives and well-being of children, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) recently took action to address a distressing situation at the Priesthood Orphanage in Karon Majigi Village, Abuja. Following a rescue operation, 23 children, aged between one and 14, were saved from the confines of the orphanage, amidst concerns of alleged trafficking from Plateau.
Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, revealed these developments while overseeing the transfer of the children to the care of Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Caroline Dafur, in Abuja. The gravity of the situation prompted an ongoing investigation to uncover the truth behind the distressing allegations.
Moreover, in recognition of the critical need to ensure the safety and integrity of orphanages across the nation’s capital, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, authorized the Secretariat to initiate a comprehensive profiling and recertification process for all orphanages in Abuja. Mrs. Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, “Using this as an example, one of the first things I have done is to get approval for the recertification of orphanage homes in Abuja.”
The collaborative efforts between the Secretariat and Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Dafur, are geared towards reuniting the rescued children with their families. Shockingly, it was revealed that some of the children had been residing in the uncertified orphanage since 2019, underscoring the pressing need for regulatory oversight and intervention.
Mrs. Dafur shed light on the dire conditions faced by the children, highlighting the inadequate living conditions and the distressing circumstances that prompted three children to escape. Their escape ultimately led to their rescue by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, who promptly alerted the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. The subsequent involvement of Human Rights Radio, Abuja, facilitated coordination between the Plateau Government, the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, and other relevant authorities.
The deplorable conditions observed within the orphanage serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable children. Mrs. Dafur expressed gratitude to the mandate secretary for her swift action in evacuating the children to the Karu Children’s Home, providing them with a semblance of safety and comfort in the wake of their harrowing ordeal.
This intervention underscores the imperative of prioritizing the welfare and protection of children, particularly those in vulnerable situations. It is incumbent upon authorities at all levels to uphold their responsibility to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
