NAPTIP warns on strategies of traffickers as Ebonyi commemorates day with mega rally
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has sensitized Ebonyi public on the strategies of child traffickers.
The sensitization was part of outcomes of a mega road walk in commemoration of the 2024 World Day Against Human Trafficking in the State.
The road walk was organised by the State Anti-human Trafficking Taskforce in collaboration with NAPTIP, Civil Society Organizations and relevant government Ministries in the state.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the State Coordinator of NAPTIP, Bertha Offor, the Head, Public Enlightenment of the Agency in the State, Ann Nwabugwu, said that apart from issues around trafficking, the Agency in the State have constantly been confronted with the menace of child defilement, a situation where a 70 year old man defiles a girl of three years and below.
She said the Agency have been taking enlightenment campaigns to the markets, Churches, Parents/teachers’ meetings and other public gatherings to sensitize parents on the need to keep close watch on their children.
Offor noted that apart from child stealing, hiring of house helps was one of the most common strategies traffickers adopt to get their victims.
She explained: “They come requesting for house helps from parents, and promising to take good care of the child; send him/her to school and many more.
“All these eventually becomes empty promises as the child is used for other purposes.
“We’ve had a lot of them defiled, some defamed and even killed or the female ones trafficked away for child prostitution.
“So, my advise to parents is that they should stop giving out their children. to other people .
“In as much as the economic situation in the country is hard, parents should not fall for the fake promises of traffickers to make their children victims.”
Addressing participants while flagging-off the road walk, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Uruchi Odo, emphasized that the State Anti-human trafficking Taskforce was committed to collaborating with relevant agencies and Civil Society Organizations to stamp out all forms of child labour and trafficking in persons in the state.
Represented at the rally by a staff from the Ministry of Justice, Barr. Ugo Amah, the Attorney-General who is also the chairman of the taskforce, described human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights, stripping individuals of their dignity, freedom, and future.
He maintained that the practice is a crime that preys on the most vulnerable in society, especially children, stressing that it deserves to be combated with absolute determination.
Appreciating the over 80 Agencies and CSOs which turned out for the walk, including NAPTIP, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police, the Red Cross Society, the Federal Road Safety Corp, the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ministries of Justice and Women Affairs, Ebonyi Civil Society Network, among others, Odo charged them to sustain the fight, adding that it needs collaborative action to stop the menace.
He said: “As the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, I am deeply honoured to stand before you today.
“Our taskforce, in collaboration with NAPTIP and the Ebonyi State CSOs Network, is committed to leading the charge against human trafficking in our state.
“We recognize that this fight requires the concerted efforts of every sector of our society, and I am heartened to see such a diverse and dedicated group of organizations represented here today.”
Speaking on the theme for the year’s event: “Leave no child behind in the fight against Trafficking”, the Attorney-General said it echoes the need for a collective resolve from all and sundries to safeguard our children and ensure their right to a life free from all forms of exploitation.
Others who spoke in the course of the walk, including representatives of CSOs, relevant Ministries and Agencies of the State government as well as Security agencies sensitized the people on the dangers and consequences of human trafficking, stressing that all identified perpetrators must be jailed.
The sensitization road walk was taken through major streets and public places including motor parks and markets.
Handbills containing various forms of trafficking offences and punishments as well as addresses and phone numbers of NAPTIP and other bodies were also distributed to the public.
World Day Against Human Trafficking is observed July 30 every year.