Benue girls freed from traffickers in Ivory Coast – AG
Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Fidelis Mnyim, says his ministry has successfully facilitated the return of trafficked Benue girls from the Ivory Coast and other parts of Nigeria.
Mnyim, who made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Iormbagah Jacob, in Makurdi, did not specify the number of rescued girls but emphasised that the feat was achieved through sustained advocacy for public interest and social justice.
Responding to allegations of incompetence and corruption levelled against him by an online publication, Mnyim highlighted key reforms and achievements under his leadership over the past two years.
He revealed that the Ministry of Justice under his stewardship had experienced significant structural innovations, including the creation of new directorates and the implementation of landmark legal reforms.
The statement read in part: “Under Chief Mnyim’s stewardship, the Ministry has witnessed unprecedented structural innovations, including the creation of the Directorates of Appeals, Judgment Debts Management, and Legal Services in MDAs.
“We also established the Public Order Directorate and launched the ‘Operation Save the Benue Child’ Initiative, a pioneering intervention for civil order and child rights protection.”
He said the ministry had successfully sponsored the passage of 10 key laws, including the Benue State Persons with Disability Law, the Public Procurement (Amendment) Law, the State Electricity Law, and the Benue State Electoral Amendment Law.
Mnyim also emphasised his commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable persons, adding that his administration had revived the State Human Trafficking Task Force and pioneered the establishment of the State Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining.
“Through the advocacy of public interest and social justice, the AG has facilitated the return of trafficked Benue girls from Edo and the Ivory Coast,” the statement added.
The attorney general reaffirmed his dedication to accountability and integrity in public service, stating that the achievements of the Ministry of Justice clearly reflected a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, protection of the vulnerable, and responsible governance.
