Group takes human trafficking campaign to Anambra schools, educates pupils on antics

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Task Force on Human Trafficking has taken its sensitization programme to two schools in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, warning school children against juicy offers with dangerous motives.

At Little Angels British School and Father Joseph Memorial High School, members of the task force explained that most traffickers pose as helpers of destiny.

A member of the State Task Force, Yohanna Rachel, narrated how a young girl was lured into trafficking with the instrumentality of her school mate.

“Be careful of your fellow students and close relations, who pose as helpers to lure unsuspecting citizens.

“A young girl from Anambra was lured through her school mate with a promise to take her abroad to fix her life. She was excited by the offer.

“The aunty took her abroad to Libya where she was sexually exploited. She was made to sleep with 10 to 15 men per day to generate money and give to that her friend’s aunt.

Yohanna warned the children to be wary of the push factors such as poverty, greed, and lack of contentment, insisting that poverty and other life challenges are not justifications for discarding the dignity of humans.

“Don’t allow even poverty to put you in deeper mess. Not everyone who poses like a helper genuine. Both male and female can victims of human trafficking.

“Boys are trafficked, drugged so that they can sleep with several women to produce babies for the traffickers.

She warned the school children to be wary of traveling abroad.

“Even if you will do, make sure you go through regular means. There is a process to going abroad.

“You go to the immigration, get your passport, go to the embassy, you apply, and follow other requirements until you fly away.

“You need to be contented with what your parents are giving to you. Most girls are lured by money. Contentment helps you to stay focused.

Another member of the task force, Eucheria Onyemaobi, also urged the students to avoid desperation. “Focus on your studies. I tell you that education is not a scam.

“Don’t be deceived. Avoid distractions so that you will come out as thorough-bred students.

“Even as you are in school, learn a skill which will help you greatly after your secondary school. Go and learn ICT and how to you digital tools.

“Yahoo yahoo will cut short your life. Life is a process. Quick money syndrome can make you to become a victim of human trafficking and even drug abuse.

While urging them to report fellow students with suspicious behaviour to school authorities, Onyemaobi also stressed the need to break the culture of silence, which has been to the advantage of traffickers.

“When you see something suspicious, report it. Don’t keep quiet. Talk to your parents, your teachers. If they don’t listen, call our numbers. We will be willing to help you.

“We will give you our numbers so you can reach out to us when the need arise.”

Ifeoma Mmaduabuchi of the Public Enlightenment Department of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) Anambra State Command, urged the school children to be wary of game clubs, restaurants and other facilities where innocent citizens are being recruited by traffickers.

“In game clubs, they abuse especially boys. They give you game to play free of charge and you end up being abused. If anyone here is already molested or you know anyone like that, come and report to us. We will make sure the offender does not go scot-free.

She told them that trafficking takes place within and outside Nigeria and anyone regardless of age can be a victim.

“Internal is the trafficking place within Nigeria while the one outside Nigeria is international. However, the goal is the same – exploitation and abuse. They take you away from your comfort at the end of the day, you’re enslaved.

“You are exposed to work that are not meant for your age. Whatever offer that is coming to you, make sure you share it with an adult. Even if your parents are telling you to go, check again with other adults like your teachers.

According to her, anyone can be trafficked regardless of age and status. “Adults can be trafficked and we have had several cases like that. Even those who travel with valid documents have been trafficked before.

“That is why this type of sensitization will help everyone. It helps you to understand the antics and techniques of the traffickers.”

Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of anti-human trafficking vanguards by NAPTIP.