The Tarok Daughters Forum, a coalition of prominent Tarok women led by iconic gospel musician Kate Miri, popularly known as Yenbyen Tarok, has flagged off its first awareness campaign against child trafficking, a menace that has bedeviled Tarok land and brought ridicule to the Tarok name.
Trill Times News Reporter reports that the historic event, which also marked the first public event of the Forum, was held on 28th December, 2025, at Central Primary School, Langtang North, and attracted a who-is-who of Tarok land, including traditional rulers, former and serving public office holders, academics, youth leaders, women groups, and faith-based leaders.
Driven by its rallying slogan, “Ilung Iyem vo Ilung Mbin Itarok,” meaning “Let’s fight what is fighting Tarok land,” the campaign is aimed at mobilising women, raising community consciousness, and confronting the root causes of child trafficking, drug abuse, and other social vices threatening the future of Tarok children.
In her opening remarks, the Convener, Kate Miri, passionately unveiled the direction of the Forum and issued a strong call to Tarok people particularly daughters across the globe to rise in defence of their children and homeland. “This is a call to every Tarok daughter. Child trafficking and drug abuse are destroying our homes and our future. This fight cannot be left to a few voices; it demands our collective courage, unity, and action,” she said.
According to the Convener, the mission of the Tarok Daughters Forum is to combat child trafficking and drug abuse through advocacy, awareness creation, community mobilisation, collaboration with government and security agencies, and the empowerment of women and families, while the vision is to build a safe, dignified, and trafficking-free Tarok society where every child is protected and allowed to thrive.
The gathering was further dignified by the presence of the Tarok Traditional Council, represented by the District Head of Kuffen, HH Bala Zwaltur and Chief Dr Nanzing Nden (Dandawanmi Langtang), who applauded the Forum for its bold initiative.
“Any society that allows its children to be trafficked is destroying its own future. This initiative is timely, and I commend the Tarok Daughters Forum for standing up for our land,” he said.
Former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Beni Butmak Lar, expressed sadness over the increasing rate of child trafficking in Tarok land and urged the Forum to sustain the campaign. “The stories coming out of our communities are painful. I applaud this Forum and encourage them to organise at least two awareness campaigns every year,” she stated.
The National President of the Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA), the umbrella body of Tarok Youth Worldwide, Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (MTN), described the campaign as timely and purposeful. “This is a round peg in a round hole. The Tarok Daughters Forum has taken the right step at the right time, and the Tarok youth stand solidly with them,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Julcit Napoleon Binkap Bali, wife of a former Senator representing Plateau South, decried the reckless rate of child trafficking and applauded the courage of the Forum. “What is happening to our children is disturbing. I commend the Forum for rising to defend the future of Tarok nation,” she said.
The Matron of the Forum, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, former Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, called for collective responsibility. “This fight requires all hands on deck. Parents, leaders, and institutions must work together if we are to stop this menace,” she urged.
The Chairman of Anti-Child Trafficking in Langtang North and Deputy Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Deborah Binbut Dalen, shared heartbreaking field experiences. “Some of the most painful cases I have handled involve Tarok children. Sadly, some agents are Tarok women who connive with outsiders. Government will not relent in arresting offenders,” she assured.
Women from across the length and breadth of Tarok nation expressed joy over the formation of the Forum and optimism that the campaign would go a long way in halting the menace.
The Keynote Speaker, Prophetess Nafisa Yahaya Kwande, delivered a powerful biblical exhortation that stirred the gathering and earned her a standing ovation. “Women must rise and take responsibility. God will ask us what we did while our children were being destroyed,” she charged.
Highlights of the event included distribution of wrappers to women, soul-lifting musical performances, messages of hope, unity, and collective responsibility.
The Tarok Daughters Forum reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the campaign until child trafficking and related social vices are completely eradicated from Tarok land.
