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A verified Facebook post by Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya has drawn attention to the growing exploitation of children brought from rural villages for domestic work in Benue State, often disguised as “training.”
In the post, Yaaya urged the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure that such children are properly registered and closely monitored to protect their welfare and prevent abuse. He highlighted the troubling trend where children, particularly girls, are sent to work in homes under the pretext of learning, while their own education is neglected.
“Your children are in school but another person’s daughter is for business,” the activist stated, emphasizing the imbalance and potential risks involved.
The post was accompanied by a photograph of a young boy in a yellow shirt carrying a heavy load on his head, illustrating the harsh realities of child labour in parts of the state.
This latest call comes amid broader concerns about child rights and protection in Benue, where many families continue the practice of sending minors to urban areas for domestic help. Child rights advocates argue that without proper regulation and monitoring, these children remain vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and denial of basic education.
As public discourse on the issue intensifies, stakeholders are calling on relevant government agencies to take decisive action to register, protect, and support these children before they fall through the cracks.
