Benue leads in human trafficking — NAPTIP
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has named Benue State as the new epicentre of human trafficking in Nigeria, overtaking Edo State. NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, disclosed this on Thursday in Makurdi during a two-day workshop for school principals and anti-trafficking vanguards under the ‘School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project […]
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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has named Benue State as the new epicentre of human trafficking in Nigeria, overtaking Edo State.
NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Bello, disclosed this on Thursday in Makurdi during a two-day workshop for school principals and anti-trafficking vanguards under the ‘School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP)’. She was represented by Josiah Emerole, the agency’s Director of Intelligence, Research and Programme Development.
The programme, organised in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), aims to curb trafficking through awareness and early intervention in schools.
Bello explained that the ranking is based on the number of victims rescued and suspects arrested who are linked to the state.
She attributed the increase to insecurity, which has left many children orphaned and more susceptible to exploitation.
“In some cases, children are taken to other states to work in quarries, while traffickers collect their wages. We want to catch them young and teach them to recognize the warning signs of trafficking,” she said.
As part of the STEAP initiative, NAPTIP has launched anti-trafficking clubs in 10 secondary schools in Benue, with plans to expand to 50 schools.
Gloria Bai, NAPTIP’s Zonal Commander in Makurdi, stated that these student vanguards will be trained to identify and report cases and to raise awareness in their communities.
Mrs. Rhoda Johnson, the Project Manager, added that the training will provide principals and coordinators with the necessary tools and Standard Operating Procedures to prevent trafficking in schools.
Mrs. Helen Nambativ, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, echoed these concerns, noting that frequent attacks by armed herders and terrorists have exacerbated the state’s vulnerability.
She called for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.