Ovie smith, Yenagoa
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) have joined forces to sensitize residents of Azikoro community in Bayelsa State on the dangers of human trafficking.
The campaign aims to educate residents on the risks of human trafficking, particularly for young people and girls who are lured with promises of employment or scholarship opportunities only to be exploited abroad.
NAPTIP’s Director of Public Enlightenment department, Mr. Sambo Wariebi, explained the agency’s role in combating human trafficking and enforcing laws on related offenses.
Residents commended NAPTIP’s efforts in prosecuting perpetrators and reuniting victims with their families. However, they emphasized the need for more awareness and sensitization programs, especially in rural areas where poverty and lack of education make youths vulnerable to exploitation.
Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, urged parents to protect their children from human traffickers by warning them about strangers making unrealistic promises.
She reiterated WOMAN’s vision of providing family support through community outreaches for growth and sustainable development.
The partnership between NAPTIP and WOMAN aims to prevent human trafficking, punish perpetrators, and support vulnerable individuals. By working together, they seek to create a safer and more informed community.
Also speaking was Elizabeth Vincent urging parents to be cautious and educate their children about the people they interact with ,she points out a disturbing modern trend involving predators who target young girls as young as 10 to 14 years old by posing as friendly neighbors or acquaintances.
These individuals deceive the girls into undergoing egg harvesting procedures, falsely claiming they are harmless, often without proper consent and understanding she emphasizes the growing danger in society and the need for increased awareness and vigilance.