The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Benue State, Barrister Fidelis Mnyim, has disclosed that several young girls trafficked from the state to the Ivory Coast and other parts of Nigeria have been successfully rescued and repatriated through the efforts of his ministry.
Barrister Mnyim made the disclosure in a statement released in Makurdi on Thursday through his media aide, Iormbagah Jacob. While the statement did not disclose the exact number of girls rescued, it emphasized that the feat was the result of ongoing advocacy for social justice and the protection of vulnerable groups within the state.
The commissioner, who is currently facing allegations of incompetence and corruption from an online publication, used the opportunity to respond to the claims by presenting a comprehensive overview of reforms and achievements recorded during his tenure.
According to Mnyim, the Benue State Ministry of Justice has undergone a significant transformation over the past two years. He cited the establishment of several new directorates, which he described as pivotal to strengthening the ministry’s capacity to deliver justice efficiently and uphold the rule of law.
He explained that new structures such as the Directorate of Appeals, Directorate of Judgment Debts Management, and Directorate of Legal Services in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have all been introduced to enhance legal service delivery. In addition, the creation of the Public Order Directorate and the launch of the Operation Save the Benue Child initiative were highlighted as key interventions to address civil order and child protection issues in the state.
The Attorney General further revealed that the ministry has championed the successful passage of ten critical laws, aimed at improving governance and strengthening institutional frameworks in Benue. These include the Benue State Persons with Disability Law, the Public Procurement (Amendment) Law, the State Electricity Law, and the Benue State Electoral Amendment Law, among others.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and creating systems that promote transparency and access to justice. As part of this effort, the State Human Trafficking Task Force has been revived, while a new State Mining Marshals unit has been established to curb illegal mining activities and protect local communities from exploitation.
“Through our advocacy rooted in the principles of public interest and social justice, the Ministry of Justice has facilitated the return of trafficked girls from Edo State and the Ivory Coast,” the statement noted.
Mnyim also reaffirmed his dedication to upholding integrity, transparency, and the rule of law in public service. He maintained that the achievements recorded so far speak for themselves and reflect a purposeful and people-centered approach to governance.
According to KIIN360 findings, Benue has been one of the states affected by human trafficking, especially involving young girls who are lured with false promises of better opportunities. The Ministry’s renewed focus on structural reform and legal intervention is seen as a positive step toward addressing the root causes and consequences of this growing problem.
As the state government continues to reposition its justice sector, stakeholders are watching closely to see how these reforms will further impact the lives of ordinary citizens, especially women, children, and other vulnerable groups who rely heavily on the legal system for protection and redress.
PTDF Decries Brain Drain as Foreign-Trained Scholars Settle Abroad Amid Employment Crisis
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Nigerian scholars, trained under its overseas scholarship scheme, opting to remain in foreign countries after completing their studies due to limited job opportunities back home in the oil and gas sector.
This concern was brought to the fore during a one-day sensitisation and capacity-building programme for PTDF scholars held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday. Speaking at the event, the Head of the Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Mrs Bolanle Agboola, lamented the continued exodus of highly skilled Nigerian graduates who were fully sponsored by the Fund to prestigious institutions across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and other countries.
According to Agboola, the Fund has invested significantly in building world-class human capital for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, sponsoring over 8,000 scholars under the scheme. However, many of these beneficiaries, upon completion of their programmes, are absorbed by foreign companies where their expertise is better appreciated and financially rewarded.
“It is disheartening that after heavy investment in their training, many of our scholars choose to remain overseas because they either do not find jobs in Nigeria or are offered roles that do not match their qualifications,” she said. “All our investments—time, funds, and training—end up benefiting the economies of the US, UK, and Canada.”
Agboola stressed that the PTDF was now actively working to reverse this trend by deepening collaboration with local oil and gas firms to provide employment pathways for returning scholars. She disclosed that strategic partnerships were being formed to ensure that Nigerian-trained professionals are absorbed into meaningful roles that align with their areas of expertise.
Beyond simply training individuals, Agboola highlighted the need to harness the PTDF alumni network, many of whom are scattered across global institutions and corporations. According to her, reconnecting with these professionals could help bridge knowledge gaps in the domestic energy sector while also creating mentorship opportunities for upcoming scholars.
She further noted that PTDF is fully committed to building indigenous capacity in the oil and gas industry, despite facing financial constraints. With dwindling revenue from licensing fees—its primary source of funding—the Fund is now exploring alternative avenues for resource mobilisation to sustain its scholarship programmes and training efforts.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Mr Dayo Asefon, lauded PTDF’s continuous investment in education and manpower development. He emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to adapt to the evolving demands of the oil and gas industry, which now requires a multidisciplinary skill set.
“The sector is no longer limited to engineers and geologists. Today, we need digital innovators, environmental experts, legal professionals, and policy strategists to drive sustainability and innovation,” Asefon remarked.
In a similar vein, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, urged the PTDF scholars to make the most of the opportunity extended to them, stressing that they represent the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
“You are not just receiving scholarships; you are being groomed to take the lead in redefining Nigeria’s energy landscape. The country is counting on you,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment and the loss of skilled professionals to other countries, the PTDF has reiterated its resolve to reform its scholarship framework and align it more closely with national manpower demands. The Fund’s latest push is geared toward ensuring that its investment in human capital translates directly into national development, rather than fueling the economies of other nations.
KIIN360 understands that the PTDF’s overseas scholarship scheme has, over the years, produced thousands of top-tier professionals in petroleum engineering, geosciences, energy law, and other critical sectors. The current challenge remains how to reintegrate these talents into Nigeria’s workforce in a way that supports growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability in the oil and gas industry.
