DON’T FALL INTO HUMAN TRAFFICKERS’ TRAP — NAPTIP, OTHERS CAUTION ABIA STUDENTS

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

Students in Abia State have been urged to guard against falling victim to human traffickers during the holiday period.

The State Commander, National Agency for the prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in Abia State, Mrs. Nkemdilim Okafor, gave the warning while addressing some students in Umuahia as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Human Trafficking.

Mrs. Okafor said human trafficking was the new version of slave trade being carried out by dubious people who were engaged in child abuse, sexual exploitation, illegal baby sales, organ harvesting and prostitution.

She noted that as schools were now on break, traffickers were already busy looking for new victims and reminded the students to be extremely careful to avoid getting into their trap.

The NAPTIP boss in Abia therefore urged the students to always raise alarm, run and report those who attempt to lure them into such illegal activities to prevent themselves and others against falling victim.

For her part, a former Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, the Rev. Jane Omereonye, told the students that the traffickers and their agents could be anywhere, including their schools, churches and neighborhood, urging them to be extra careful.

A security expert, Mr. Emmanuel Ozo, called on the students to avoid staying out late in the night, staying alone in lonely places and avoid bad friends during the holidays to avoid being kidnapped and also be content with the provisions of their parents.

The theme for this year’s event is “Leave no Child Behind in the fight against human trafficking.”

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU