The Abia State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has educated graduating pupils of St. George’s Academy, Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Umuahia, on the dangers of human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting.
The awareness programme was held at the Kolping Society Hall in Umuahia as part of activities to prepare the Primary Six pupils for their transition to secondary school. The agency said the programme was aimed at helping the children understand the dangers they may face and how to stay safe as they grow older.
Speaking during the event, the Abia State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Nkemdilim Okafor, explained that traffickers often use false promises of jobs, education, gifts, or better opportunities to deceive young people. She said it is important for children to know these tricks so they can avoid becoming victims.
Mrs. Okafor advised the pupils to be careful when dealing with strangers and not to accept offers or invitations without informing their parents or guardians. She also encouraged them to speak up and report any form of abuse, suspicious behaviour, or exploitation to their parents, teachers, security agencies, or NAPTIP for immediate action.
She assured the pupils and their teachers that NAPTIP, working with other security and law enforcement agencies, remains committed to fighting human trafficking and other related crimes in Abia State and across Nigeria. She said the agency will continue to carry out awareness campaigns in schools and communities to protect children and other vulnerable persons.
The school management appreciated NAPTIP for bringing the sensitization programme to the pupils, describing it as timely and important. They noted that the knowledge gained would help the children make wise decisions and protect themselves from people with harmful intentions.
The programme is part of NAPTIP’s ongoing campaign to educate young people about the dangers of human trafficking and to create a safer environment where children can grow, learn, and achieve their dreams without fear of exploitation.
