The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons says it
has prosecuted and secured the conviction of 50 persons in connection
with their involvement in child trafficking in Edo and Delta states in
the last one year.
The Benin Zonal Commander of the agency, Mrs. Cordelia Ebiringa, told
journalists in Asaba on Monday that the agency, through its various
units and departments, had fought trafficking in persons, rescued
victims, rehabilitated, educated and reunited them with their families.
Saying child trafficking had been a social challenge, Ebiringa blamed the society for its growth.
She said at the recent stakeholders meeting, which
included government agencies and various organisations from various
sectors in Delta States, it was resolved that Nigerians should be
equipped and educated to fight the war against child trafficking in the
country.
Ebiringa added, “In the last one year, the agency has prosecuted
and jailed over 50 persons convicted of involvement in child
trafficking in Edo/Delta states.”
She noted that it would demand a concerted effort of
government institutions, parents and well meaning Nigerians to fight the
menace.
The NAPTIP coordinator decried the increasing rate of children being
made vulnerable to trafficking due to family and socio-economic hardship
in the country.
Ebiringa said the vice affected the psychology and the social well being of the victim especially those with poor education.
She believed that the lack of social amenities had contributed to the increase in child
trafficking.
“We are set for total eradication of child trafficking, although it
may be a big task but with spirited efforts of individuals and
faith-based groups, we shall overcome,” she added.
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