The head of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Rivers State, says more than 20 persons have been arrested in the last five months for Child abuse. Mrs Nwakanma Ikedia confirmed this to our reporter while speaking on what the agency is doing to tackle child abuse.
The NAPTIP boss in Rivers State revealed that the problem they are having is the victim. According to her, when they arrest, the families of the victims will come later and say they are no longer interested in the case.
Mrs Ikedia disclosed that it is difficult for them to arrest human organ traffickers because the victims will not want to tell their story. She further said that, when it comes to organ trafficking, people should beware and be cautious on where they go to and the people they relate to. Adding that whenever you are called that there is a job opening, you need to do proper verification.
The NAPTIP boss revealed that the challenges faced by the agency in the State is that they are lacking a better office. She said part of their mandate is practical. Adding that as an agency, they have the power of arresting, executing and persecuting. But when they arrest, they usually keep them in the custody of the DSS or other sister agency. She therefore appealed to the State Government to provide them with a better and bigger office.
Mrs Ikedia further call on the faith based organization, to play their role in cubbing the rising cases of child abuse. He said they have sent invitation to churches and schools for sensitisation, and are waiting for their response.
Also, a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyer (FIDA) in Rivers State Edna Williams Amadi in an interview with our reporter spoke on the rising cases of child abuse in the State. She urge the government to build facilities whereby there will be accomodation for some of those children that don’t have a home. And let there be skill acquisition training that will empower them.
Mrs Amadi also said that those who have learnt tailoring or hairdressing should be given machines and be monitored for like six months to one year to ensure they are following what they have learnt.
Mrs Amadi further stressed that government should pay attention to human capital development to address the rise in cases of child abuse in the society.
Mrs Amadi also advised members of the public not to maltreat their children or a maid living with them. She said “if your maid is acting in a way you don’t like, you correct and if it don’t work, you send the child back.”
She however call on the government and the entire public to join hands with FIDA to fight child abuse in the society. She advised the public to speak out and report any case of abuse in order to eliminate the menace.
