The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for a permanent solution to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria.
During a visit to rescue Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana for prostitution, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa strongly condemned human trafficking, referring to it as modern-day slavery.
“We must declare a war against human traffickers,” she asserted.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa also urged parents to be vigilant about the whereabouts of their children, especially when they are taken away by relatives or friends. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure that traffickers are identified and arrested.
The rescued girls will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which will facilitate their transfer to their respective states for comprehensive counseling and rehabilitation, she added.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Ghana, and his team for their swift action in rescuing the girls.
Also present in Ghana were the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amara Iwuanyanwu, representing Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs of Imo State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu.
Iwuanyanwu reiterated the Imo State government’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the rescued girls.
Additionally, the Plateau State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, pledged to ensure the welfare and full rehabilitation of the rescued girls.