Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), led by Commander Abieywna Ikhidero, has organized a road walk to raise awareness against human trafficking.
The campaign theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” highlights children’s vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.
During the event, Nayelsa state Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Alfred Kemepada, emphasized the need for parental vigilance against false promises of overseas opportunities, warning that such schemes can lead to enslavement and death. He urged parents and children not to listen to “agents of fantasies” promising greener pastures abroad, as many have died in the process of migration.
Commander Ikhidero vowed that NAPTIP will leave no stone unturned in eradicating human trafficking in Bayelsa State, stating that the agency has zero tolerance for the crime.
She urged young people and victims to speak out and not die in silence, warning traffickers to desist from their activities or face the consequences
Other speakers, including Executive Director of Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, (WOMAN,) Lady Eunice Nnachi, and Nigerian Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Mrs. Grace Orumieyefia, stressed the importance of mentorship and community involvement to protect children from traffickers and promote awareness of the dangers associated with migration for better prospects.
They called for a collaborative effort to fight human trafficking and child labor, especially organ harvesting targeting the girl child.
The road walk, which started from Ekeki Park and ended at Peace Park opposite the Government House in Yenagoa, saw participation from various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and representatives from the Ministries of Women Affairs, Culture, and Tourism, and 4S Juvenile home.
