NAPTIP OYO STATE COMMANDER EDUCATES WIDOWS AND SINGLE MOTHERS ON DANGERS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
By Ajibade Adegbayibi
The Oyo State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Kayode Alfred has stressed the need for parents to understand the dangers of human trafficking and take preventive measures.
Speaking as a guest lecturer at the end-of-year party organised by the Temitope Oriyomi Foundation for widows and single mothers, Mr. Alfred emphasised the importance of educating parents on the dos and don’ts associated with human trafficking
.He noted that many children’s lives have been ruined due to human trafficking, largely stemming from parental ignorance of its realities.
Mr. Alfred highlighted that in the past, numerous parents have been deceived with promises of better job opportunities overseas for their children, only for them to be trafficked from Oyo State to neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Mali, Cote d’voire and Burkina Faso. While some other victims ended up in North Africa especially Libya and Egypt, and other Arab countries in the Middle East, where they are subjected to labour and sexual exploitations.
.He explained that his presence at the Temitope Oriyomi Foundation event was aimed at enlightening the widows and single mothers on prevention strategies and advocacy against human trafficking.
The NAPTIP Commander further stated that the agency in Oyo State has investigated numerous Human Trafficking cases leading to the arrest and prosecution of traffickers, while rescued victims given adequate protection through sheltering, counselling and rehabilitation.
The agency, as part of its strategies to fight Human Trafficking has also organised public awareness programmes in media organisations, training workshops, schools, market places, motor parks, town hall meetings, local communities, and religious houses
At the end of his lecture, Mr. Alfred shared the agency’s telephone hotline with attendees, encouraging them to report any suspected cases of human trafficking.
