ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has vowed to do everything within its powers to stamp out human trafficking in the country.
Bayelsa State Commander, NAPTIP, Mrs Abieyuwa Ikhidero, made the promise on Saturday in Yenagoa, the state capital, after a roadwork to mark the 2022 World Trafficking Day in the state.
WTD is commemorated annually July 30 to raise the awareness on the ills of trafficking in persons all over the world.
This year’s theme is entitled, ‘The Use and Abuse of Technology.’
Ikhidero called on the Bayelsa State government to collaborate with NAPTIP to fight human trafficking in the state, including the local government level, saying that Bayelsa NAPTIP had zero tolerance for human trafficking.
She said it would no longer be business as usual for human traffickers in Bayelsa and Nigeria at large, urging young people and those molested in one way or another to speak out and never to die in silence.
Ikhidero warned those indulging in such acts to desist from it, saying that the agency was poised to go after them if they continued with trafficking in persons.
She urged parents not to send their children for hawking and be watchful in taking care of their children.
Ikhidero commended all partners against human trafficking at the roadwork, urging them to continue with the good job of campaigns to drive the menace out of the country.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Gender Development, Mrs Faith Opuene, said human beings were not for sale and are not slaves because they were created by God as other beings.
Represented by the Director in the ministry, Mr Felicia Owei, she said they were ready to partner with NAPTIP to end human trafficking in all forms.
She said technology had been used to traffic people without knowing by promising them good jobs around the world which had affected them negatively.
She urged all stakeholders to stand against all manners of child labour and trafficking of human beings.
On his part, the Commander of Federal Fire Service in the state, Mr Simon Ayakpo, said human trafficking is a fight that involves everyone in the society.
He urged individuals to always speak out or pass information to NAPTIP when they suspect trafficking in any guise.
A teacher from Bishop Dimieri Grammar School, Yenagoa, Mr, Krutimi Ebiowei, who commended NAPTIP for the sentitisation, said he would work in synergy with others to change the narrative of young people being trafficked in the state.
He encouraged students and young people to always speak out and never hide anything from their parents and teachers at school and mind how they use the Internet.
The roadwork, which kicked off at Ekeki Motor Park, Yenagoa, terminated at Peace Park beside Government House.