The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, announced on Monday that the Federal Capital Territory Administration has shut down the Priesthood Orphanage in Karonmajigi after rescuing 23 trafficked children aged between 1 and 14 years from Plateau state.
Addressing the press, Benjamins-Laniyi revealed that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike authorized the Secretariat to profile and recertify orphanages operating within the capital.
She emphasized the immediate closure of the orphanage and indicated ongoing investigations into the matter.
Benjamins-Laniyi also highlighted the involvement of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the investigation.
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She stressed the importance of thorough reprofiling and recertification of all orphanages in Abuja to ensure compliance with standards.
Furthermore, she mentioned collaboration with the Plateau State government to reunite the rescued children with their families.
Some of the children had reportedly been at the orphanage for up to five years.
Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Caroline Dafur, recounted the dire conditions in which the children were found and expressed dismay at the situation.
She appreciated the assistance provided by the FCT Women’s Secretariat in evacuating the children and relocating them to the Karu Children’s Home.
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