Abuja: The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a campaign against human trafficking and violence in secondary schools in Delta. The Commander of NAPTIP Benin Zonal Command, Mr. Sam Offiah, inaugurated the Anti-Human Trafficking Vanguard in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area, emphasizing the need to protect students from traffickers.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAPTIP, in collaboration with the Delta Government, inaugurated 30 students as Vanguards in Abraka Grammar School and another 30 in Erho Secondary School. These students will serve as the agency’s ambassadors in their respective schools. Offiah stated that the goal is to cover 50 secondary schools across the state, with the first phase targeting 10 schools this week, including the two in Abraka.
Offiah highlighted that students are often targeted by traffickers due to their vulnerability. He stressed that establishing the students’ vanguard is the most effective method to combat child trafficking and promote a violence-free society. The initiative aims to empower students to advocate against human trafficking within their communities.
Mr. Maclean Eze, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and Desk Officer for the School Anti-Trafficking Education Advocacy Project (STEAP), noted that the state government’s taskforce on human trafficking and irregular migration is now operational. This taskforce is dedicated to safeguarding citizens’ rights and prosecuting traffickers.
Mrs. Ijoma Nwanze, Secretary of the State Taskforce on Human Trafficking and Irregular Migrations, explained that the Vanguard will serve as advocates in schools and communities throughout the state. Principals Mr. Lucky-Jones Dibie and Mrs. Edna Eremo expressed gratitude for their schools’ inclusion in the program and committed to supporting the project’s success.
Students interviewed by NAN demonstrated an understanding of human trafficking issues and vowed to be proactive in combating the problem within their schools. The event culminated with the formal inauguration of the NAPTIP Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Persons Vanguard and the unveiling of NAPTIP signposts at both schools.