The Nigerian Ambassador to Mali, Mr. Chikezie Ogbonna Nwachukwu has raised alarm over modern slavery in Africa.
This is even as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with civil society groups rescues 15 Nigerian girls who were trafficked and trapped in Mali.
Ambassador Nwachukwu expressed concern over the incessant influx of Nigerians to Mali for various exploitations by human traffickers.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National President, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse & Labour (NACTAL) Nigeria, Dr. Abdulganiyu Abubakar.
The statement which was made available to newsmen on Saturday,
called for urgent actions to be taken to stem the menace of human trafficking.
While hosting a Nigerian delegation, comprising of officials of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), The International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), and Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse & Labour (NACTAL), who are on a mission to rescue 15 Nigerian girls who were trafficked and trapped in Mali, the Nigerian envoy described the upsurge in human trafficking as a pandemic.
The statement disclosed that NATAL Nigeria had received a request from WACTIPSOM Mali to support the return of the girls.
“Human Trafficking is really of great concern as Mali is a country with large irregular movements. Some of these Victims are deceived and brought to Mali at the peak of their childhood. We have rescued and repatriated victims who came as young as ten years,” the Nigerian Ambassador revealed.
During an interactive engagement, the Head of the Delegation and the National President of NATAL Nigeria, Abdulganiyu Abubakar explained the role the CSO has played and is playing in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
He said, “Through the West Africa Coalition Against Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, ( WACTIPSOM), was Launched last year, the CSOs who are always on the field do not leave any stone unturned. This is one of the efforts that have enhanced the rescue of these 15 Victims”.
The A-TIPSOM Nigeria Consultant Mr. Ugo Ogbunude appreciated the Ambassador for his warm reception and assured him of a continuous partnership to enhance the dignity and protection of victims.
