A Benue-based anti-human trafficking rescuer, Zege’Orkwande Sughnen (Yaaya), has raised concerns over the current handling of human trafficking cases in the state while appreciating past efforts by the previous administration.
In a detailed Facebook post, Sughnen recounted how victims, particularly girls rescued from Ghana and repatriated to Nigeria last year, received support from the Benue State Government. According to him, the office of the Attorney General and the Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking provided the rescued girls with scholarships and monthly maintenance fees.
He specifically commended the former Attorney General, Hon. Barr. Mnyim, for his proactive approach. Sughnen noted that after each rescue operation, Barr. Mnyim would facilitate meetings in his office and even requested expenditure details for possible reimbursement, describing his intentions as good and his understanding of the office’s operations as commendable.
However, the rescuer expressed worry over the current situation, questioning the steps being taken by the present Attorney General, who also serves as Chairman of the Benue State Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.
“If only he is still in office, we won’t be on this stage,” Sughnen remarked, while appealing for clarification on ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in the state. He added that although the Governor cannot be everywhere, functional offices under his administration would demonstrate active governance and readiness to serve the people.
The post highlights the challenges faced by individuals and organisations involved in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficking victims, and calls for stronger, more consistent government intervention in addressing human trafficking in Benue State.
No official response from the current Attorney General’s office has been reported as at the time of this publication.
