RETIRED JUDGE LAUNCHES BOOK ADVOCATING STRONGER ACTION AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE
Mohammed Tikka
A retired judge, Barrister Ephraim Usman Asha, on Tuesday unveiled his second book, The Judgement – Freezone: Empowering Your Career Growth, a thought-provoking publication that confronts the disturbing realities of child trafficking and child abuse in Nigeria and advocates stronger institutional and societal responses to safeguard children.
The book presentation, held earlier in the day, attracted a wide spectrum of dignitaries and stakeholders, including the chairman of the occasion, the chief launcher, and the deputy chief launcher. The event also drew legal practitioners, academics, child-rights advocates, traditional leaders, and members of the public, reflecting the broad concern and shared responsibility in addressing child protection issues.
Delivering his remarks as chairman of the occasion, the former Deputy Governor of Taraba State and current Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Haruna Manu, described the book as both timely and courageous. Represented by Dr. Danga, the personal physician to the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Senator Manu commended the author for channeling his vast legal experience into a publication that speaks directly to a pressing national challenge. He observed that despite the existence of laws and policies against child trafficking and abuse, the crimes continue to thrive due to weak enforcement, poverty, and low public awareness.
The senator therefore called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, communities, and families. He further urged Nigerians to embrace reading as a tool for enlightenment and self-development, noting that sustained learning plays a critical role in shaping responsible leaders and informed citizens.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the book reviewer, Y. N. Akirekwen, (SAN) Barrister. Elijah Chia, explained that the book provides a detailed examination of child abuse and child trafficking, which he described as one of the most alarming social phenomena confronting the country today. He attributed the increasing cases largely to economic hardship, stating that poverty forces some parents to send their children to the streets to hawk goods or engage in menial activities in order to support household needs. He added that the book also challenges parents to take greater responsibility for childbirth and upbringing, stressing that families should consider their capacity to care for, nurture, and properly guide their children before bringing them into the world.
In his address, the author, Barrister Ephraim Usman Asha, said the motivation behind the book stemmed from the rising incidence of child trafficking and abuse across the nation and beyond. He explained that the work was written to expose the dangers children face daily and to inspire society to redirect its focus toward using children’s talents and potential in positive and productive ways. According to him, children deserve protection, care, and opportunities that will give them hope for a brighter future. He stressed that children remain the most vulnerable segment of society and must be protected at all times through deliberate policies, effective enforcement, and responsible parenting.
Barr. Asha further explained that the book outlines the various forms of child trafficking and abuse, their root causes, and their far-reaching consequences on victims, families, and society at large. He noted that the publication also examines the roles of parents, traditional institutions, religious bodies, schools, security agencies, and government institutions in preventing these crimes and supporting victims. He added that the book is intended not only to inform but also to provoke action and policy reform. The retired judge expressed his readiness to write more books that address
pressing social and legal issues.
The chief launcher of the book and former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, in his remarks, called on the government to intensify efforts in strengthening law enforcement and social welfare systems. He stressed the need for strict punishment of offenders to serve as a deterrent and urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant in monitoring the activities and whereabouts of their children. He also appealed to individuals and institutions to support the author by purchasing the book in large quantities, noting that such support would encourage more intellectual contributions on social issues.
Similarly, the deputy chief launcher, Distinguished Senator Shu’aibu Isa Lau, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Julius Vau, emphasized the importance of sustained public awareness and education. He observed that many cases of child abuse, particularly those involving the girl child, often go unreported due to fear, stigma, shame, or lack of adequate information. He called for community-based sensitization and stronger reporting mechanisms to ensure that victims receive justice and support.
The event concluded with a strong call to action for policymakers, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and the general public to work collaboratively to curb child trafficking and abuse. Participants emphasized the need to create a safer, more protective environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive without fear. The book is expected to serve as an important reference material for policymakers, legal practitioners, students, researchers, and advocates working in the field of child protection and social justice.