Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers leading human trafficking hubs – NAPTIP
Emmanuel Awhen, zonal commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) , has identified Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers states as leading hubs for human 115 persons linked to human trafficking while it rescued 75 victims rescued in the state states.
“Many of the rescued victims have been counselled, empowered, and reunited with their families,” he told NAN. Of the 15 lawsuits, the agency is prosecuting from July 2023 and now, Awhen said that three ended in convictions and has 12 others, pending. The agency’s chief urges judges to prioritise human trafficking cases to deter other traffickers.
“We appeal to members of the public that this fight on human trafficking should not be left in the hands of NAPTIP and the federal government alone,” he said.
“The agency needs the support and cooperation of all stakeholders so that together we can fight this crime.
“We have financial constraints to carry out robust sensitization and campaigns against human trafficking, especially to rural communities, and feeding of victims is very expensive now,” he said.
