The National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons says it has prosecuted and secured the conviction of 50 persons in connection with their involvement in child trafficking in Edo and Delta states in the last one year.
The Benin Zonal Commander of the agency, Mrs. Cordelia Ebiringa, told journalists in Asaba on Monday that the agency, through its various units and departments, had fought trafficking in persons, rescued victims, rehabilitated, educated and reunited them with their families.
Saying child trafficking had been a social challenge, Ebiringa blamed the society for its growth.
She said at the recent stakeholders meeting, which included government agencies and various organisations from various sectors in Delta States, it was resolved that Nigerians should be equipped and educated to fight the war against child trafficking in the country.
Ebiringa added, “In the last one year, the agency has prosecuted and jailed over 50 persons convicted of involvement in child trafficking in Edo/Delta states.”
She noted that it would demand a concerted effort of government institutions, parents and well meaning Nigerians to fight the menace.
The NAPTIP coordinator decried the increasing rate of children being made vulnerable to trafficking due to family and socio-economic hardship in the country.
Ebiringa said the vice affected the psychology and the social well being of the victim especially those with poor education.
She believed that the lack of social amenities had contributed to the increase in child
trafficking.
“We are set for total eradication of child trafficking, although it may be a big task but with spirited efforts of individuals and faith-based groups, we shall overcome,” she added.
