Nigerians have been called upon to avoid engaging in trafficking of persons due to its inherent dangers associated with it.
Benin Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of trafficking in persons, NAPTIP, Mr. Sam Offiah stated this at a road work and sensitization rally held in some part’s of Benin City, as part of activities to mark the 2025 international day against trafficking in Persons.
The Zonal Commander who was represented by the Head, Counseling and Rehabilitation, of the Agency, Edo state , Mr Stephen Sholowo, said the event was organized to sensitize Edo residents on the dangers of Human trafficking.
” This year’s theme – Human trafficking is organised crime – End Exploitation, reminds us that trafficking is not a random act of cruelty – it’s a calculated business driven by criminal networks. It’s a crime that steals Futures, exploit Vulnerabilities and destroy lives. Benin City and the broader Edo state have remained key areas of concerns, but also of resilience. We are proud of the partnership we have built – with traditional institutions, faith based groups, Youth organizations and international bodies working hand in hand to stop this menace at the root”.
He explained that the road walk was not just symbolic but a call to action.
” Today’s road walk is not just symbolic, it’s a call to action. We must strengthen our surveillance, improve prosecution of traffickers, support victims more robustly and tackle the demand that fuels exploitation.To our partners, thank you for your continued support, to the public,we urge you to be vigilant, report suspicious activity and help us spread awearness in your Communities.
Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Michel Ofuenyenju Said the Agency would intensify efforts in curbing Drugs trafficking in the state.
” Human trafficking is an organised crime while drug trafficking is also an organised and transnational crime because it transcends national boundaries, so for us in the NDLEA is to intensify our efforts by way of adopting various intelligence led approaches in bringing down the drug problem to the bearest minimum in Edo state.”
The Road walk and sensitisation rally began at the NAPTIP office, off Adesuwa Grammar school road down to the youth renessance centre at Ihama road of Benin Metropolis .
The carnival like event which had participants from other various Organizations putting on various t.shirts with inscriptions ” human trafficking is a organised crime” Stop Human trafficking and Violence against persons” among others also saw them distributing fliers on the dangers of Human trafficking to some Benin City, residents.
The event also led to the arrest of two suspected Drug traffickers at the Ihama Axis of Benin Metropolis by some officials of the national drug law enforcement agencies.
Source: Fortune Oyem, FRCN, Benin
