KWARA GOVT, NAPTIP PARTNER TO RESCUE, REHABILITATE AND EMPOWER TRAPPED VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The Kwara State Government in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have concluded plan to profile the indigenes of the state who are victims of human trafficking and are trapped in Lebanon and other destination countries in the Middle East victims.
The state and the agency will also work out modality to return the victims back to Nigeria.
The state governor, Abdularazaq Abdulrahmah, who was not happy with the recent development as it concerns indigenes of the State expressed readiness to partner with NAPTIP for comprehensive rehabilitation of the already rescued victims as well as carrying out preventive measures such as massive enlightenment and advocacy in all parts of the state in order nip the situation in the bud.
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He tasked the Agency on the need to come out with confirmed numbers of trafficked victims from the State who are trapped or facing exploitation in any of the Middle East destination countries with a view to putting in place effective mechanism for evacuating them.
Similarly, the Agency has also concluded plans to establish a Command in Ilorin so to enhance its operation especially in the areas of massive enlightenment, surveillance and rehabilitation of victims.
The Director General of the Agency, Dame Julie Okah – Donli, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen after her meeting with the Governor at the Government House, Ilorin. The meeting was sequel to the hosting of the first trafficked victim that was returned to Ilorin few days ago and the need to take urgent step to reduce incidence of human trafficking in the State.
It would be recalled that the Director General of NAPTIP, had few weeks ago, said the Agency was working toward establishing Task Force on Human trafficking in the State as a deliberate step to curb the rising incidence of human trafficking in the State especially trafficking to Middle East for sexual and labour exploitation.
Yetunde Adegoke
