2)HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A TIME BOMB IN ANAMBRA — CAMPAIGNERS

REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI

Some anti- human trafficking campaigners have described the crime as a time bomb, waiting to explode in Anambra State.

They decried the rate at which cases of human trafficking are being recorded in the area and appealed to the new administration of Governor Charles Soludo to collaborate with relevant government and non governmental organizations to nip it in the bud.

The campaigners made their feelings known in Awka, Anambra State, at the opening of a three-day Stakeholder’s Forum on Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Illegal Migration.

The event is funded by the European Union, under the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) in Nigeria.

Addressing the gathering of critical stakeholders, the Senior Project Officer, A-TIPSOM, Mr. Joseph Sanwo, who represented the team leader, expressed happiness that Anambra State had accepted the reality of human trafficking, which according to him, would help to generate the seriousness and strength to fight it.

“Traffickers are very dangerous; they are the closest persons to you. We are not saying don’t travel, but you need to travel the right way.

“Prior to now, this programme was being executed in Europe. But, now, they are trying to help the countries of origin as a way of reducing the burden on Europe,” Mr. Sanwo concluded.

The keynote address of the National President, Network of Civil Society Organizations Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), delivered by the Vice President, Mrs. Lilian Ezenwa, described human trafficking as a crime against humanity, which is fast gaining momentum in Anambra State.

“Before, the focus once was on the South-South, especially Benin City. But, the sad reality is now with us in the South East, Anambra State inclusive.

“The root causes include: poverty and joblessness. Nobody is putting a stain on us as Anambrarians or as South East. But, let us join hands to clean our zone of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants,” the NACTAL National President said.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Co-ordinator, NACTAL, Anambra State, Miss Eucharia Onyemaobi,
stressed the need to extend the campaign against human trafficking to the rural areas, where most of the victims reside.

“These criminals come up with new patterns every now and then. This makes it compelling that we sustain sensitization and awareness creation.

“Our people must know that traffickers and smugglers have recruitment centres around us here,” he cautioned.

The Commander National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Anambra State, Mrs. Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, remarked that the fight against the crime should not be left for the agency alone.

“War against human trafficking must be a multi stakeholder responsibility.

“Human trafficking is actually eating deep into Anambra State, but the NAPTIP office in Anambra lacks necessary logistics to operate optimally.

“We need support from the State Government and well-meaning individuals,” the NAPTIP state boss said.

In their goodwill messages, officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and traditional rulers advocated a review of the extant laws against human trafficking as well as speedy dispensation of justice in all matters pertaining to the crime.

The event also attracted civil society advocates, media professionals, students among others.