By Amos Aar
STAKEHOLDERS in Benue State have called for concerted efforts to tackle the rising menace of human trafficking, stressing that the crime, which has continued to claim unsuspecting victims, particularly young girls, must be confronted with all available resources and public cooperation.
This call was made during the town hall meeting organized by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in commemoration of the 2025 World Day Against Human Trafficking with the theme: “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: End the Exploitation.”
In her address, NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Mrs. Gloria Bai, expressed concern over the vulnerability of young girls who decline to accept domestic jobs within Nigeria but are easily deceived to travel abroad for similar roles, only to end up being sold or exploited. She urged parents to pay close attention to the activities of their children and counsel them against greed, which traffickers often exploit. Bai further explained that participants at the town hall meeting were carefully drawn from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security agencies, traditional institutions, and humanitarian groups to ensure a broad-based and collective fight against trafficking.
In his remarks, Tor Lobi, HRH Moses Anagende, suggested that local government chairmen should consider establishing NAPTIP offices within their domains to bring the agency closer to rural communities. He also recommended that illegal structures or hideouts often used by traffickers should be demolished to disrupt their operations. On his part, Ter Makurdi, HRH Vincent Aule, added his voice, calling for the expansion of anti-trafficking campaigns to rural areas where awareness remains low. He stressed the need for all hands to be on deck, stating, “NAPTIP can’t do it alone.”
The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements or persons linked to trafficking activities. He, however, cautioned that whistle-blowers should avoid direct confrontation with suspects but instead alert NAPTIP privately to avoid compromising their safety and the success of investigations.
Similarly, Ajobi Ayuma, state commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, commended NAPTIP for organizing the meeting and called for the inclusion of Civil Protection officers in anti-trafficking operations since they operate at grassroots levels where traffickers often target vulnerable individuals.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ameh Ann, the Gender Head of the Nigerian Police Force in Benue, described human trafficking as a highly coordinated criminal enterprise that requires community vigilance. She warned that with the ongoing holiday season, children may be tempted to travel out, making them easy prey for traffickers. Ameh therefore urged parents and guardians to be extra cautious to safeguard their children during this period.
stakeholders at the town hall meeting promised collaboration with NAPTIP in intensifying awareness campaigns, dismantling trafficking networks, and protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation.
