As the number of displaced persons in Benue State continues to spike forcing many more to shelters, reports indicate a commensurate increase in the cases of trafficking of young boys and girls for labour or sexual exploitation.
The Zonal Director of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons, NAPTIP, Gloria Bai, who unveiled these disturbing statistics at the Government House in Makurdi, also revealed that more babies are being sold.
Every day is a struggle for survival for the displaced persons sacked from their homes with virtually nothing with supplies steadily diminishing as the numbers continue to swell, prompting the government to brainstorm with its relevant partners.
While the general concern may be the obvious threat of food security more worrisome is the surge in trafficking and outright sale of babies.
A steering committee will be constituted to follow up on the decisions reached during the session for appropriate steps to be taken.