Delta has overtaken Edo State, recording highest cases of human trafficking in the country. A development that have caused the State Government to express grave disappointment.
This was disclosed by the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Chairman, State Task Force on Human Trafficking, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN.
Reacting to the report, Ohwovoriole expressed optimism that the development would be reverted.
He said, “With the signing of the Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition Bill into law, strict penalties including seizures of vehicles used for Human Trafficking would be meted on persons found wanting.
The Commissioner made the disclosure in Asaba during a one-day sensitization on human trafficking organized for National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, tricycle owners, and private park owners. It was organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Transport and the Girl Power Initiative in commemoration of the 2024 International Migrants Day.
Speaking at the event, Ohwovoriole told transporters that they had a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. He urged them to go the extra mile to observe the demaenour of their passengers and report any red flags as a way of eradicating the menace.
In his contributions, the representative of the State Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Victor Omoniyi emphasized the importance of data.
He urged the transporters to comply with the State Transportation Data Management Law. He insisted that data of all passengers through the parks must be taken.
Omoniyi sternly warned against any passenger failing to provide proper data at motor parks.
He said, “If the State Government discovered that anybody was trafficking persons through their parks, the parks would not only be closed and their vehicles seized. But they would also pay some fines and possibly be sentenced to jail.
The Commissioner pointed out the significance of December 12 International Migrants Day. He, therefore, urged stakeholders to take the sensitization seriously.
The Coordinator of Girls Power Initiative (GPI), May Ikoghode Ekido, expressed concern on the development. She noted that a recent research has shown that the State is highest in human trafficking.
Ekido, however, expressed hope that with the Delta State Human Trafficking Prohibition Law, the development would revert. She noted that with the law, the State would record tremendous achievement in the fight against human trafficking.
The Coordinator, therefore, appreciated the ministry for making it possible for them to meet with other stakeholders in the State.
Those in attendance were members of NURTW, Tricycles Owners Association of Nigeria, and State Task Force on Human Trafficking. Others were members of the Directorate of Transport, and officials of the Ministry of Justice.
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