The Network Against Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, NACTAL, has charged the the federal government to double effort to stop human trafficking from Kogi State to other parts of the world.
The National President of NACTAL Abdulganiu Abubakar who gave the charge on Friday during the inauguration of its interim state executives in Kogi State, lamented that many girls have been trafficked out of Kogi State to some African countries namely Mali, Ghana, Burkina Faso for prostitution.
While underscoring the urgent need for government intervention and strategic partnerships to stop this global act of criminality, Abubakar described Kogi State as a “gateway state,” pivotal in the national and regional fight against human trafficking.
“Kogi State is heavily affected, serving as a source, transit, and destination for trafficked persons. Young men and women from the state are trafficked across West Africa such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Republic, Ghana and beyond,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of prevention, prosecution, and partnership in addressing this scourge.
He further called on the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, to collaborate with development partners, particularly the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, which currently lacks a presence in the state.
The newly inaugurated interim State Coordinator, Rachael Remilekun Akande, reiterated NACTAL’s commitment to combat human trafficking in Kogi State.
“Our team will prioritize awareness creation, collaborate with relevant stakeholders, and carry out various advocacy to nip in the bud human trafficking in our state”.
