THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person and other related offences (NAPTIP), Sokoto zonal command is partnering the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto state council in the fight against human trafficking in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
A statement signed by the secretary of the council, Abubakar Auwal Imam said the zonal commander of NAPTIP, Barrister Tahir Hassan made the commitment while leading a high powered delegation in a courtesy call on the State Working Committee of the Council on Tuesday.
Hassan explained that the partnership was necessary in view of their renewed effort to rid the zone of the menace.
According to him, there were rampant cases of child abuse and exploitation in the zone, resulting in bodily injuries in most cases.
He said that in the last one year the agency was able to arrest hundreds of suspected traffickers and rescued several victims who had been rehabilitated and reunited with their families.
He further explained some of the suspects were tried and convicted, adding the command had secured five conviction in 2018.
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He regretted that the zone serves as source, transit and destination for victims of trafficking despite their sustained onslaught on traffickers in collaboration with other sister agencies and relevant stakeholders.
“We are being guided by three core mandates which are prevention, prosecution and partnership. Our main work is to prevent human trafficking and we cannot do that without partnering relevant stakeholders and NUJ is one of the critical stakeholders in this crusade because your role is to educate, enlighten and sensitize the public.
“We believe you will help us sensitize the public on the danger of trafficking. This is why we are here to solicit for your support and cooperation,” he concluded.
Responding, the chairman of the council, Comrade Isa Abubakar Shuni tasked the agency to redouble its effort in eradicating the menace.
Shuni noted with dismay how some parents give out their children to be used as housemaids or almajiri which in most cases lead to their exploitation and abuse.
“This is very sad because they are being denied the right to acquire education and become meaningful to the society.
“We will collaborate with you to make your work easier because you are doing a wonderful job,” he assured them.
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