The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),Abia state, had joined in counterparts across the globe in marking this year’s World Day against Trafficking in persons, with a call for a collaborative effort in checking human trafficking in Nigeria.
Speaking on the occasion of the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Umuahia, with the theme, “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind”, the Head of Abia NAPTIP, Mrs Nkemdilim Okafor, said all hands must be in deck to nip in the bud the rate of trafficking in persons, describing human trafficking as a heinous crime, noting that the agency in the state has embarked on proactive sensitisation, as part of strategy to stem the tide.
Mrs Okafor disclosed that the agency has taken the campaign against the trafficking of persons to border communities, and has also collaborated with the traditional Rulers who are the custodian of people’s culture and traditions.
The Head of NAPTIP in Abia state, advised parents to be mindful of the type of persons they hand their children over to and to report cases of trafficking to the agency.
She maintained that the agency is committed to clamp down cases of trafficking in persons in the state and country at large and also ensures that the traffickers are apprehended, as well as, prosecuted according to the law.
NAPTIP boss also enjoined parents not to be misled by those who promise them heaven and earth, including taking their children overseas, as well as, giving them unreliable juicy job.
She revealed that such persons end up being used for prostitution, forced labour and slaves, while some are killed with their vital organs harvested.
Mrs Okafor, however, revealed that the agency has entered into partnership with many organizations and network providers including Facebook in the fight against the trafficking of persons.
