Governance
Benue Govt, NAPTIP Rescue 63 Trafficking Victims, Including Infant, in One Year
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other allied organisations, has recorded notable progress in combating human trafficking across the state.
This was revealed on Thursday by Hon.
According to Anundu, 63 victims of human trafficking, including an infant whose biological mother attempted to sell in Makurdi, were successfully rescued through joint efforts. He added that 16 suspected traffickers were arrested during this period, with seven prosecuted and convicted.
Expressing concern over the plight of youths being trafficked daily by individuals devoid of empathy, Anundu said the media briefing was a call to action directed at both the state and federal governments, as well as the international community, to address human trafficking and child labour in Benue and across Nigeria.
He commended Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for his strong leadership, support, and provision of resources and logistics, which have made it possible to fight the scourge effectively. Anundu described the establishment of the PSA’s office on human trafficking and child labour as the first of its kind in Benue and the entire Northern region.
He stated, “The office, in collaboration with NAPTIP, the Nigeria Immigration Service, international organisations, and various NGOs, has significantly reduced human trafficking in the last year, as reflected in the drop in Nigeria’s global human trafficking index ranking from 13.2% to 12.0%.”
Anundu further noted that his office has forged strong partnerships with the Nigeria Police Force and the Benue State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, which have played key roles in recovering trafficking victims and enhancing cross-agency cooperation.
He highlighted some major achievements, including:
Facilitating the repatriation of Benue trafficking victims from African countries like Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Chad, and Niger, with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Coordinating the rescue of two girls trafficked from Benue to Lagos by Mrs. Erdoo Awume and initiating legal proceedings against the suspect.
Leading the investigation of a woman arrested in Masaka, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, in connection with the kidnapping of two girls from Katsina-Ala, Benue, and coordinating their repatriation.
Rescuing and repatriating three women from Logo LGA, who were trafficked to Lagos and almost taken to Ghana for sexual exploitation.
Arresting and prosecuting one Mr. Samuel, who lured women into pornography, posing serious cybersecurity threats within the state.
Intervening in the rescue of Tiley Gyado College girls from traffickers attempting to traffic them to Libya for prostitution.
Anundu also revealed that, through collaboration with the Benue State Fashion Hub, the government has initiated vocational training programs to empower trafficking survivors and make them economically self-sufficient. He said his office has also worked closely with the media to run awareness campaigns on the dangers of human trafficking.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Benue State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and the contributions of religious and traditional leaders, Anundu called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to achieve a zero-percent rate of human trafficking and child labour in the state.
