As part of effort to strengthen grassroots action against child trafficking, Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) has established Community Watch Groups across key local government areas (LGAs) in Edo and Delta States.
The new Watch Groups span Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Ika South, and Oshimili North LGAs in Delta State, as well as Owan East, Owan West, Ovia North-East, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs in Edo State.
The establishment of these Watch Groups is a direct response to the rising concerns about child trafficking, a menace that has continued to endanger the future of countless children across Nigeria.
Their formation follows a series of quarterly consultation meetings held between March and April 2025, where GPI collaborated closely with community stakeholders to launch awareness campaigns, develop local reporting mechanisms, and strengthen partnerships for early identification and intervention strategies.
At each LGA, the Watch Groups comprise diverse representatives, including community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, security agents, educators, transporters, and local organizations. These multi-sectoral teams are tasked with raising awareness, identifying suspected trafficking and child abuse cases, and working with relevant authorities to ensure swift intervention.
At the consultation meetings, religious and security leaders pledged to integrate anti-trafficking messages into sermons, youth programs, and community events. Security agencies also committed to enhancing surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in swiftly investigating reported cases.
The sessions highlighted the real dangers faced by those on the frontline of anti-trafficking work. A security officer shared a harrowing account of facing professional threats after attempting to rescue a child from abuse, underscoring the urgent need for structured and protective reporting systems.
The successful establishment of these Watch Groups marks a significant milestone in community-driven child protection efforts. With a strong local framework now in place across Edo and Delta States, GPI and its partners express optimism that a united approach will lead to a significant reduction in child trafficking, helping to safeguard the futures of vulnerable children across the region.
