Politics
THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related offences (NAPTIP) has called for collaboration with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the fight against human trafficking in Sokoto state.
Mr Tahir Hassan, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, made the call on Wednesday when he led officials of the agency on courtesy visit to NUJ Sokoto State council.
Hassan said the partnership with journalists was necessary in view of the important role they play Information dissemination as well as sensitising residents of the state on the dangers associated with human trafficking.
He explained that the usual cases rampant in the zone include child abuse, exploitation and maltreatment of minors that some times come with body injuries.
The NAPTIP commander said that partnership with stakeholders was among the agency’s working direction as others included prevention and prosecution.
He said that public awareness on the agency’s mandates were desirable at all times.
Hassan also said that the agency recorded five convictions in 2018 while a number of cases were still pending before the Federal High Court.
The commander further said that the agency successfully rescued hundreds of trafficked victims who were rehabilitated and reunited with their respective families.
He said that it was regrettable that traffickers had adopted states in the zone as transit route in spite of the agency’s sustained onslaught on them in collaboration with other sister agencies and relevant stakeholders.
He described NUJ as one of the critical stakeholders in the struggle because the media’s role was to educate, enlighten and sensitise the public.
“We believe, you will help us sensitise the public on the danger of trafficking, this is the reason why we are here to solicit for your support and cooperation,” Hassan added.
Responding, the chairman of the Sokoto state council of NUJ, Malam Isa Shuni, challenged the agency to redouble its effort in eradicating the menace.
Shuni noted with dismay how some parents give out their children to be used as house maids or servants which in most cases lead to their exploitation and abuse.
“This is very sad because they are being denied the right to acquire education and become meaningful persons to the society.
“ We will collaborate with you to make your work easier because you are doing a wonderful job,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council Secretary, Malam Abubakar Imam, told the visitors that state council comprised of seven chapels of working journalists in the state. (NAN)
– Apr. 3, 2019 @ 16:45 GMT |
Tags: NAPTIP to partner Sokoto NUJ in fight against human trafficking
