Group proffer approach to tackle human trafficking

A group, dedicated to upholding the rule of law, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center has expressed displeasure against the rising cases of human trafficking in the country.

At a stakeholder and media engagement forum on human trafficking, human rights and law enforcement in Nigeria, held in Lagos State, it called on the Government to wade into the matter speedily.

Executive Director, RULAAC, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma described human trafficking and its surplus attendant effects as an epidemic, with special considerations to abuse of children who are vulnerable and often subjected to indignities and deprivation.

“Trafficking of children is a form of trafficking and is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, and receipt of a child for the purpose of adoption.

“It is a growing global problem with over 40 million people at risk according to the International Labour Organisation. Nigeria is known as a source; transit and destination country for human trafficking victims, with over a million trafficked yearly, according to the Global Slavery Index,” he said.

Also speaking, The Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Lagos Zone, Mr. Daniel Afokolo provided five key approaches to tackle the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria. He included public education as one of the methods that could be employed to battle the menace.

“We would go to schools, talk to potentials victims of human trafficking because we have seen cases where undergraduates abandoned their education and off they go. Those that are fortunate, they come back alive to tell their stories," he suggested.