In a bid to drastically reduce the increasing cases of human trafficking and irregular migration in Nigeria, National Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Ogun state Chapter, Police officers’ Wives Association, POWA and the National Agency For the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP have jointly Sensitized Young Nigerians especially female folks to be conscious of tricks used by human trafficking cartel who do promise of opportunities of greeners pastures abroad and ended up using them as commercial sex workers or engaged them in other social vices.
At an awareness and sensitization campaign organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA). In Lafenwa Market , Abeokuta on Wednesday, the state Commander, of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) , Mrs Abosede disclosed that no fewer than 100 victims of human trafficking have been rescued, while about 70 suspects have been arrested in Ogun State since late 2023.
She expressed concern over the increasing cases of human trafficking in the state, noting that many victims were lured with promises of employment but later subjected to sexual exploitation.
She revealed that some underage victims rescued by the agency confessed to being forced into sexual activities with multiple partners daily under degrading conditions.
According to her, several adult women have also been trafficked to foreign countries, including Cairo, under false pretences.
“Victims are often moved from rural communities to urban centres and sometimes outside the country for sexual exploitation,” she said.
“Since NAPTIP established its office in Ogun about two and a half years ago, we have arrested no fewer than 70 suspects and rescued more than 100 victims.
“Currently, nine cases are before the courts. Three have been successfully prosecuted with convictions secured, while others are still under investigation.”
Jimoh added that rescued victims are provided with counselling, medical attention, empowerment support and reintegration services to help them rebuild their lives.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of POWA in Ogun State, Mrs. Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering women and youths through advocacy and skills acquisition programmes.
She urged traders and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
In her remarks, the Acting State Coordinator of NAWOJ, Comrade Oluwatoyin Adegoke, said the outreach was designed to enlighten traders, parents and youths about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Adegoke described human trafficking as a major threat to families and communities, stressing that many victims are deceived with promises of jobs, education and better opportunities abroad, only to end up in forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.
Responding on behalf of the traders, the Iya Oloja of Lafenwa Market, Alhaja Kabirat Owe, commended the organisers for bringing the awareness campaign to the market.
She pledged the support of market leaders and traders in the fight against human trafficking.
Owe also urged parents and guardians to treat all children under their care—whether biological or not—with equal love and dignity.
According to her, proper care and fairness in the upbringing of children will help reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
She further stressed the importance of providing education for children engaged in domestic work, in line with government directives.
“With this enlightenment, we pray it will guide our actions and strengthen our resolve to protect our children,” she said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Wale Olanrewaju, corroborated earlier speakers, noting that the menace of human trafficking and irregular migration has become a growing nightmare that has destroyed many lives and therefore requires urgent and concerted action.
Olanrewaju congratulated the Acting State Coordinator of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Ogun State for what he described as her proactive leadership since assuming office.
He commended her early engagements, particularly her visit to the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly where she advocated greater inclusion of women in legislative representation, as well as her campaign against human trafficking, describing the initiatives as clear indications that she is well suited for the position.
The NUJ chairman urged the NAWOJ coordinator to sustain the momentum, stressing that much more still needs to be done to address societal challenges confronting women and vulnerable groups.
Olanrewaju also disclosed that the Ogun State Council of the NUJ would collaborate with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) to tackle the activities of commercial sex workers who reportedly operate around the NUJ Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin, during the night.
