BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced a 5-day workshop to sensitize Sokoto community and their leaders especially those in border towns on the ills of human trafficking.
The workshop which was held in Sokoto North LGA with the theme: “Sensitization on Societal Ills of Human Trafficking, Advocacy with Community Leaders At Selected State of the Federation At Sokoto North LGA of Sokoto State”, was geared towards engaging all as stakeholders in the struggle to end the menace.
In his opening remarks, Hassan Hamis Tahir, the Director Legal and Prosecution, NAPTIP Head office, Abuja who spoke on behalf of the Director General, Dr Fatima Waziri, said the agency was established to end all forms of exploitation of against human beings.
“We are all out to ensure exploitation against human beings is reduced to the barest minimal”
While stressing that the ills of such acts are unimaginable, Barrister Tahir said the workshop will equally help to sensitize the public on how to report incidences of human exploitation.
He further assured that NAPTIP is ever ready to ensure justice for violated persons, adding, “We are happy that in Sokoto like other states, we are getting the needed support towards ensuring justice for survivals”.
Speaking further, Barrister Tahir said, ” NAPTIP has the constitutional backings to arrest, investigate and prosecute before the courts and ensure that justice is meted out to perpetrators of exploitations and human trafficking”
In his presentation on the Ills of Human Trafficking On Societies, NAPTIP Zonal Commander in charge of Sokoto/Kebbi and Zamfara States, Barrister Abubakar Bashiru said those involved in such acts always have a way of deceiving their targets.
He also said that anybody can be a victim of the antics of these traffickers, hence, there are internal and external trafficking.
“Human traffickers search for people who show vulnerability. They operates mainly on social media chats, clubs, in the streets, at homes, at shopping malls, at market places and in schools”
While highlighting those that can violate others, Barrister Bashiru said both closed relatives, family members, friends and people of same ethnicity, faith and environment are not to be trusted as perpetrators bears no mark.
On how to identify victims of trafficking, Barrister Bashiru said they are always in hunger, lack water, medical care and sleep, restricted communication, numerous occupants in small rooms, always accompanied by somebody, often lack genuine traveling documents.
He added that those who often carry out trafficking are greedy people who want quick money
He further listed ills of trafficking to include, isolation, trauma, depression, unwanted pregnancy, early motherhood, stigmatization, high risk of contracting STDs, reproductive illnesses, bad international image, poor national development, and negative socialization,
Dignitaries at the sensitization workshop include traditional leaders, members of non governmental organizations amongst others.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply