By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
The Child Protection Network, CPN, Plateau State Chapter, has called for urgent and coordinated action to address the rising cases of child abuse across the state, revealing that it handled *36 cases in the last quarter alone*.
State Coordinator of the Network, Sandra Chikan, described the situation as _“critical,”_ rating the level of child abuse in Plateau at 9 out of 10 and warning that reported cases represent only a fraction of the actual problem.
“At Least 3 Cases Every Week”
Speaking during an interview in Jos, Chikan said the network receives an average of at least three child protection cases weekly* through its helplines.
She noted that abuse is no longer limited to conflict and displacement-affected communities, but is also prevalent in _“ordinary homes and communities”_ through violence, neglect, exploitation, substance abuse, child labour and sexual abuse.
“Children are increasingly being exposed to dangerous environments, including artisanal mining, with reports of children as young as three and four years old visiting mining sites,” she said.
Chikan also raised alarm over children’s involvement in drug-related activities and late-night street hawking. _“Some children are found outside their homes as late as 1 a.m. or 3 a.m.,” she added.
According to her, domestic violence and neglect remain major threats, with cases involving children allegedly beaten by guardians, denied food and forced into unsafe living conditions.
“Some children employed as domestic helps or workers in restaurants have also faced exploitation, inadequate care and excessively long working hours,”_she stated.
She warned that children’s vulnerability increases when parents fail to provide adequate supervision and protection.
36 Cases, 85% Got Justice
The CPN Coordinator disclosed that of the *36 cases recorded in the last quarter*, approximately *85 per cent* received outcomes classified as “justice for the affected children.”
“Justice does not always mean a criminal conviction. It may include rescuing children from unsafe homes, reunifying them with families, providing medical care, counselling, education or temporary shelter,” she explained.
The network also runs school-based child protection clubs to educate children on their rights and encourage them to report abuse.
₦200M “Save The Plateau Child Initiative” Launched
To strengthen response, CPN has launched the *Save the Plateau Child Initiative*, a *six-month fundraising campaign targeting ₦200 million* to scale up interventions across all *17 Local Government Areas* of the state.
Planned activities include establishing school-based child rights clubs, creating community child protection committees, strengthening the capacity of agencies and stakeholders, and producing sensitisation materials.
So far, child protection committees have been set up in five LGAs with support from SOS Children’s Villages. The network plans to extend the structures to the remaining 12 LGAs.
Chikan commended the Plateau State Government for its ₦10 million contribution to the campaign through the ministry of women affairs and social welfare, describing it as “a demonstration of government’s commitment to child protection.”
She appealed to individuals, businesses, CSOs and other levels of government to support the initiative.
No Permanent Shelter, Law Review Ongoing
Despite its interventions, CPN does not currently have a permanent shelter. Chikan said the network only operates a small emergency space at its office in Jos, while longer-term care is arranged through partner shelters and organisations.
The network collaborates with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators and other child-focused groups to provide temporary and alternative care.
CPN is also participating in efforts to strengthen Plateau’s child protection framework, including the *review of the Plateau State Child Rights Law* and the implementation of child rights committees at state and LGA levels.
Call For Prevention
The network urged parents, communities and government institutions to move beyond reacting to abuse and invest more in prevention, awareness, early reporting and community-based protection systems.
“Children must be given safe environments where they can speak about violence, exploitation or neglect without fear,” Chikan stressed.
“With abuse being reported both in conflict-affected communities and within homes and neighbourhoods, a collective response is needed to protect vulnerable children across Plateau State.”
*For Reports or Support:*
*Helplines:* MTN: 09033309421, 09033441242 | Airtel: 08125802205, 08123911883
*Email:* cpnplateaustate@gmail.com
*Office:* Plot 14, Off Da Gwom Du Road, Peakfield Academy Street, Fwavel, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State.