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Tag: Human trafficking

  • Who ends human trafficking in Edo: Benin monarch, govt. or the church?

    Bothered by the negative image trafficking in persons has brought to the country, the Federal Government, in 2003, enacted the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in a bid to address the scourge. Despite the enactment, it continues to thrive. OSAGIE OTABOR reports that, angered by a BBC report that Edo State is the hub of human trafficking in Nigeria, Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have placed curses on perpetrators of the evil act.

    last week, the Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria woke up from its slumber in the fight against human trafficking. For the first time in 30 years during which the business of human trafficking has thrived, CAN lend its voice by placing a curse on pastors aiding perpetrators of the inhuman act.

    The business of trafficking young girls to Europe began in the 1990s by those regarded as Italian Madams, even though some males were involved. It was seen as an easy way to make quick money as the supposed victims were made to pay thrice the amount spent to sponsor them to Europe.

    Many parents allegedly pledged their properties for their sons or daughters to be taken abroad without asking what jobs were available for them. The business blossomed so much so that it was a thing of pride to be called ‘oversea sponsor’.

    Those who have nothing to use as collateral for their children to be ‘sponsored’ abroad had to resort to oath-taking at various shrines. The oath-taking involved taking various parts of the prospective victim’s body such as pubic hair, finger nails, toe nails and hairs, among others. These are collected by the native doctor with a threat that doom awaits any girl that refuses to pay.

    It was during the administration of Lucky Igbinedion that the fight against human trafficking actually began when his wife Eki took up the campaign to stop girls from being trafficked abroad for prostitution.

    In 2003, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) was established by the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2003. The Agency was part of the Federal Government’s response towards addressing the scourge of trafficking in persons.

    However, as NAPTIP fought to end the menace, some pastors and native doctors backed human traffickers with prayers charms. In some churches, pants, bras, special anointing oils, bathing soaps were sold to parents to send to their children to enable them to get good clients. This made business of human trafficking to continue to thrive despite measures put in place by NAPTIP.

    It was learnt that a news report by the BBC in March, depicting Edo State as the hub of human trafficking peeved the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II.

    On March 9, Oba Ewuare II summoned traditional priests, priestesses and native doctors from various shrines such as the Ohen Okhuae, Ohen Ovia, Ohen Noriyekeogba, Ohen Ake, Ohen Niwuo, native doctors, Ohen Sango, Odionwere, Iwueki and the  Enigies (dukes) to his palace.

    At the palace, the Oba brought out some ancient juju which, according to the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, has not seen sunlight for over 800 years and began invoking curses on human traffickers, robbers, kidnappers and their collaborators.

    Oba Ewuare II said the essence of the curse was that he wants to sustain the positive stories emanating from the state, even as he warned those aiding and abetting human trafficking through the use of black magic and subjecting them to the oath of secrecy to desist from the act or face the wrath of the gods.

    He noted that the interest of the palace was to work for the development and progress of the state. He urged all his subjects to work towards that direction by doing what is right.

    His words: “From today we end all the oaths and it will not affect those placed on the oath. Those who walk on Edo land and eat the food cooked with salt and oil will die if they continue to do things that will bring shame to the land.

    “Henceforth, the juju will kill those that want to engage in human trafficking. Even those that go to other places to perform juju will also die. Native doctors should not force girls again and they should return the things they collected from the girls. Native doctors whose businesses are to subject people to the oath of secrecy and encouraging this evil act on the land, you have to repent, stop doing it. This is not a joking matter and if you do not repent, you have to wait for the repercussion.

    “The palace is not against those who are native doctors but those who use their position to perpetrate evil in the land through aiding and abetting human trafficking.

    “We want to tell those who are under any oath of secrecy that they are now free. We revoke the oath today.

    “What the palace stands for is peace and the development of the state. I want to tell you that the palace seriously frowns at the act of using charms to aid trafficking.

    “We want us to join hands together to fight human trafficking in the land”, he said.

    The event received applause when the monarch  declared that those under oath of secrecy have been set free and at liberty to air their views as well as reveal their sponsors without fear of any harm from their sponsors.

    The native doctors were later asked to parade the streets of Benin-City to invoke curses on human traffickers.

    Two days after the Oba placed the curse; videos were seen online of trafficked girls who cried out that their madams were still asking them to pay money.

    Many girls are still trapped in Libya because their various madams have stopped sending feeding money because of the curse.

    A source in Italy said some madams freed their girls immediately after the curse while some madams are still adamant that the Oba did not ask the girls not to pay.

    The source said: “Obaseki should go and rescue those girls in Libya because their madams have stopped sending them money. The situation in Italy here is very tough since the curse was proclaimed.

    “Some girls were already in Libya before the curse and no madam wants to pay to cross any girl again after the curse. Many of the girls do not have anybody in Europe. It was the madams who send them money.”

    A Benin Chief who pleaded anonymity said no native doctor would want to go against the Oba’s directive because the Oba owns all the shrines from where the native doctors derived their powers.

    One month later, leaders of the Christian body in the state followed the footsteps of Oba Ewuare II by placing a curse on pastors and prophets who are aiding as well as providing prayers for human traffickers.

    President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Felix Omobude, who spoke at the event tagged CAN Intervention on Human Trafficking, urged CAN to publicly disown any pastor supporting human traffickers.

    Rev. Omobude asked God to take care of such pastors, adding that the church must stand firm and strong against the menace of human trafficking.

    His words: “We must take a stand as a church that what is wrong is wrong. We must educate our people and take a strong stand. We are going to pray that the heavens should take care of any pastor who will bring disgrace to us.

    “Whatever we bind on heaven is bind here on earth. Grace will run out of any pastor that supports human traffickers. He will not live to reap the reward of his work.

    “None of our pastors should deceive the people or give them false hope.”

    State Chairman of CAN, Bishop Oyonude Kure, described as ‘little pastors’ those who offered prayers and support trafficked girls for prostitution in Europe. He said they should be prosecuted.

    Kure said: “Any pastor involved in this inhuman and nefarious activity must repent and stop this evil act. Anyone who refuses to stop and is caught, the Church of Jesus Christ in Edo State and Nigeria will deny the person and ensure that the authorities arrest, prosecute and punish the person.

    “Whatever is the rationale for this evil act is unjustifiable in its entirety and is against the tenets of true religion.

    Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which guarantees the right to every Nigerian is being violated by this inhuman activity.”

    State Coordinator of NAPTIP, Mr. Nduka Nwanwenne, told Niger Delta Report that more victims are now willing to testify in courts since the Benin monarch’s pronouncement.

    “Everybody is joining the fight; we are arraigning more people in court. More victims are being rescued. The fight has intensified“.

  • Courts jail two men for human trafficking

    Two men in Kano and Nasarawa states have been jailed 10 and 14 years each for human and child trafficking.

    Yusuf Umar, 57, was sentenced to 10 years for sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl. He was also fined N2 million by a Federal High Court in Kano.

    A Nasarawa State High Court in Guruku, Mararaba, arraigned a 48-year-old pastor, Bawa Madaki, on a two-count charge of fraudulently procuring two underage children (five and seven years) from their parents in Zango Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State.

    Head of  Press and Public Relations in the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Josiah Emerole  spoke yesterday.

    “A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced Yusuf Umar, 57, to 10 years’ imprisonment for human trafficking offences. He is also to pay N2,000,000 fine.

    ‘’He will spend additional two years in prison if after the 10 years, he is unable to pay the N2,000,000 fine.

    “Umar, who hails from Nasarawa Local Government of Kano State, procured for himself a 14-year- old girl from the same state and sexually exploited her.

    ‘’The offence is contrary to Section 16 (1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

    “NAPTIP operatives arrested and arraigned him on March 5 on a one-count charge.

    ‘’When he was arraigned yesterday, he pleaded guilty. At the beginning of the case, the prosecution tendered two exhibits.

    “Delivering judgment, Justice Jude Kanyiot Dagat found him guilty and sentenced him. This conviction has brought the number of those convicted for human trafficking by NAPTIP to 341.

    “The agency has secured another conviction as a Nasarawa State High Court in Guruku, Mararaba, sentenced a 48-year-old, Pastor Bawa Madaki, from Kaduna State, to 14 years’ imprisonment for child trafficking.

    “The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of fraudulently procuring two underage children (five and seven years) from their parents in Zanzo Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State.

    ‘’The accused subsequently sent one child to Lagos in an illegal adoption arrangement and the other to Abuja as a domestic worker, thus depriving their parents of the lawful custody of the children.

    “This contravenes Section 19 (e) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 (as amended).

    “The case, filed on May 27, 2015, was transferred to NAPTIP by the Police, which acted on a tip-off.

    ‘’Officers of the agency thereafter moved in and rescued the children. The trial began on June 23, 2015, and on March 26, 2018, the court found the accused guilty.

    “Delivering judgment, Justice Haruna Offor convicted the accused and sentenced him to 14 years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.

    “NAPTIP Director-General Dame Julie Okah-Donli hailed the tenacity of the prosecuting officers and the judiciary for ensuring justice.

    “She warned the public against illegal adoption and engaging underage children as domestic workers, who she said were often maltreated and abused by their employers.”

     

  • Human trafficking…Benin monarch, ancient deities to the rescue

    Last Friday, the ancient city of Benin was rapped around by red apparels-wearing  chiefs, priests, witch doctors and sorcerers on the auspices of the Benin monarch, Omo Nova N’ Edo Ukuakpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare 11, to purge the city and its environs of the infamy known as the city of “blood and prostitution”. The purpose of the rituals was to activate deities, grooves, shrines, idols and other deified antiquities to blend ancient and modern in the monarch’s bid to rid Benin Kingdom off the disheartening social strifes that have enveloped the state, desecrated the land and debased our humanity, as a people.

    Sometimes in July 2011, Oba Erediauwa, who has joined his ancestors, activated a similar ritual on some unknown group of cultists who had beheaded Endurance Obanor, a 100-level student of the College of Education, Ekiadolor, stuffed his mouth with grass and posted his severed head on a metal school gate! A month later, Edo State Police Command arrested two of the suspects – Osagie Omorodion (23) and David Odigie (24). Both Omorodion and Odigie were said to have participated in the killing of Endurance, a member of a rival cult group. Omorodion (aka Musa), told journalists that fighting broke out among the two rival gangs, the Neo-Black Movement (aka Black Axe) and the Eiye confraternity, resulting in casualties on both sides.

    In a similar incident in May 21, 2015, the Edo State Police  Command through its then spokesman, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, paraded 41 suspected cultists, including 30 Auchi Polytechnic students who were arrested for allegedly killing members of the public and destroying property. Eleven of the suspects were alleged cult leaders. The rest were students and artisans who played various roles in the crimes plaguing Edo State.

    Mr. Ojukwu had further stated that the suspects were nabbed by an Anti-Cultism team set up by the then Inspector General of the Police, Solomon Arase. In his words, “the suspects who are leaders of cult confraternities are being interrogated for their conspiratorial involvement in the murder of ten Nigerians. The Black Axe Confraternity, Nosman Confraternity, and Judas Confraternity were among the names of the cults involved in the killings”.

    These are very few reported cases of mass killings resulting from cult-related violence or Community Development Associations (CDA) motivated bloodbath in the state that prides itself famously as the ‘Heart Beat’ of the  Nation. In 2013, yours sincerely became a victim of the CDA-motivated blood-soaked enterprise that happened between Amagbon and Evbukhu communities land profiteering. Several lives were lost and property worth millions of naira destroyed, including a building consisting of six number flats of three bedrooms.

    The seeming impunity with which violence erupts and hopelessness of the security agencies to contain the perpetrators have again lent credence to the activation of deified antiquities which appear to have been accepted for their efficiency and effectiveness in arresting the orgies of violence from non-state actors. Through Chiefs, the Odioweres, (clan leaders ),  Priests, sorcerers and sorceresses, witch doctors— the Benin monarch placed  curses on all the pastors, churches, individuals, groups, families and parents, who sponsor, promote, indulge, contract or participate or encourage perpetrators in any of the vices that have defiled the present security architecture. Also cursed were the native doctors who also subject the victims of the heinous crimes to oath of secrecies, cultists, violators of the order banning the activities of the Community Development Associations and others whose businesses are to initiate the sons and daughters of the ancient Kingdom into various cult groups.

    The Benin monarch further warned those aiding and abetting human trafficking through the use of black magic and subjecting the victims to the oaths of secrecies to desist or face the wrath of the gods and the ancestors of the land.

    In his own words: “You native doctors whose business is to subject people to the oath of secrecies and encouraging this evil act on the land, you have to repent, stop doing it.

    ”We want to use this medium to tell those who are under any oaths of secrecies that they are now free. We revoke the oath today.”

    Now, Oba Ewuare’s alliance with chief priests and some palace chiefs, placing deadly curses on sponsors and perpetrators of all forms of social vices that hinder development in the state and those putting the image of the Kingdom in disrepute have been received with mixed feelings. Apart from priests, priestesses, traditional religious worshippers, Benin chiefs, dukes, village heads, market women, shrine worshippers who were in attendance, Directors and officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) as well as the diplomatic corps and security agencies were in attendance.

    Is anyone surprised that of the nearly 5,000 Libyan returnees or repatriated Nigerian migrants — those who died in the desert or submerged in the Mediterranean Sea unaccounted for are 85% Edo State origin? What does that say about the people and the successive political leadership of the state? What is the present government doing to bring the scourge to an abrupt or instalmental end?

    Strictly speaking, who can then fault the monarch’s patronage of the traditional means of social control to boost the nation’s security architecture which appears to have failed? Why will the State House of Assembly abandon the legislation against human trafficking and elect instead, to legislate itself into bondage by rejecting autonomy for itself, local government and the judiciary?

    Shouldn’t the monarch be praised for adopting traditional means or ‘ancient science’ to solve our modern day crises resulting from some of the rebellious African children visited upon the continent that is now threatening to erase her humanity? Africa is the only continent on the planet earth that has failed to develop her medieval science methodology to the point of acceptability in solving social problems imposed on her by modernisation.

    The crises of human trafficking, cultism and other acts of violence associated with the CDA have all conspired to threaten to erase Edo State, using global indices of civilisation. For instance, the total collapse of the family, educational, political, economic and religious institutions put in place to secure and safeguard our primordial civilisation is a culprit. It’s now common place in Benin City to see some pre and/or post-secondary school students soliciting for a pay for sex to fend for their family upkeep! It is even more debasing when families now boastfully pound their chests to announce the number of their children whom they have sponsored abroad usually by land through  the Sahara desert enroute Europe with most of these not having basic skills nor education. Most of these parents would have sold off their thriving businesses and sometimes their houses.

    More damming — on the other hand — is the fact that nobody aspires to become successful in Edo State politically. This is because no one can except she/he must one way or the other belong to a member of the deadly cult groups. Yet, in the midst of these, one is rattled by government’s casual and shallow approach to bringing these known charlatans and the vices to book. We want to see Edo State Government on the auspices of Mr. Godwin Obaseki convoke inter-institutional conference to address the menace of unwarranted bloodletting and human trafficking. His government can come up with educational policy such as the one being implemented in Kaduna State where parents who refuse to send their kids to schools to be educated are liable to be imprisoned for upward of 10 years.

    • Ikhide, an analyst, writes from Lagos

     

  • Human trafficking: Oba of Benin forces native doctors to revoke curses placed on victims

    Human trafficking: Oba of Benin forces native doctors to revoke curses placed on victims

    Edo State victims of human trafficking can now call the bluff of agents who threaten them with dire consequences of oaths sworn to in the process of taking them abroad.

    The oaths which are often administered by native doctors engaged by the agents were reversed yesterday by the same native doctors.

    The oath reversal was at the instance of the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, at a special meeting in his palace to stop human trafficking in the state which comes tops in the illegal act in Nigeria.

    An oath taking process ,according to victims, involve the invocation of parts of their bodies as collateral to force them pay back the money spent by the agents to take them  mainly to Europe where they end up as prostitutes.

    Hundreds of native doctors converged on the Oba of Benin palace yesterday to heed the monarch’s call.

    Oba Ewuare 11 said Governor Godwin Obaseki had pleaded with him to help reduce the spate of human trafficking in the state.

    The state, he pointed out, has had enough of the embarrassment that comes with human trafficking and it is time to put an immediate end to it.

    He said while the palace has nothing against the practice of native medicine, it will not condone a situation where it is used to “perpetrate evil in the land through aiding and abetting human trafficking.”

    He said: “You native doctors whose business is to subject people to oath of secrecy and encouraging evil act in the land, you have to repent, stop doing it.

    “This is not a joking matter and if you do not repent, you’ll see the repercussions.”

    He cursed human traffickers and native doctors who subject Benin sons and daughters to oaths of secrecy, initiate them into cults or encourage violation of the order banning Community Development Associations.

    He warned that anyone persisting should be ready to face the wrath of the gods.

    He then directed the native doctors present to revoke the curses and oaths already placed on trafficked victims.

    The Benin Monarch declared: “We want to use this medium to tell those who are under any oath of secrecy that they are now free. We revoke the oath today.

    “What the palace stands for is peace and the development of the state. I want to use this medium to tell you that the act of using charms to aid trafficking, the palace seriously frowns at it.

    “We want us to join hands together to fight against human trafficking in the land.”

    Those who took part in the swearing exercise were priests from various shrines in the state such as the Ohen Okhuae, Ohen Ovia, Ohen noriyekeogba, Ohen Ake, Ohen Niwuo, native doctors, Ohen Sango,  Odionwere, Iwueki and the  Enigies.

  • Immigration suspends two for alleged human trafficking

    Immigration suspends two for alleged human trafficking

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended two officers, Araoyinbo Oluwadare and Gabriel Awosanmi, for allegedly aiding and abetting human trafficking.

    Spokesman of the agency, Mr Sunday James, said yesterday that Oluwadare, a Senior Inspector of Immigration, and Awosanmi, an Immigration Assistant 1, were arrested at the Lagos international airport on Thursday night.

    They allegedly facilitated an attempted trafficking of six underage girls to Oman and Kuwait through an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    Aviation security personnel at the airport apprehended the duo.

    James said: “The Comptroller General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, has ordered the suspension of the above- mentioned from duties with immediate effect in line with Service Rules and Regulations.

    “The suspension is to allow for detailed investigation into the issue with a view to unraveling their level of culpability and indeed other syndicates involved in the act.

    “The comptroller-general, therefore, assures the public of management’s commitment to the eradication of smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons in the country.’’

  • Senate roundtable on human trafficking

    The Senate Roundtable on Migration and Human Trafficking held in Benin City, Edo State, may have come and gone, but the lessons therefrom will go a long way in drastically mitigating the negative implications of illegal migration and human trafficking on the national psyche, prevent the scourge and help refocus young persons who feel that the only way to happiness and good life is to migrate to a foreign country at all cost.

    The first lesson is that the 8th Senate has raised the ante on legislative interventions by practically moving its sitting to different parts of the country which it considers as requiring its reach, intervention, and influence on key issues of urgent national importance. The method has led to the staging of national discussion in certain areas of the country to galvanize needed consciousness, resources, policy and legislative input from a broad spectrum in tackling different crucial socio-economic issues that are assuming grave implications for the overall well-being of the people and development of the country. The roundtables on drug use in Kano in December and the one on migration and human trafficking are cases in point.

    Another takeaway is the fact that Nigeria and the international community are genuinely losing sleep and are ready to do something about the spike in illegal migration and human trafficking.  This is evidenced by the impressive attendance and contributions. From victims of human trafficking to community leaders, traditional institution, notably the Oba of Benin who was represented by the Obasogie of  Benin Kingdom, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, state governments represented by Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa – who sent a representative – senators, ministers, heads of federal agencies, ambassadors, members of the global diplomatic community, heads of security agencies, the media, academia and civil society,  the event had quality audience.

    From the  presentations, it was clear that the national malaise stems from a convergence of multiple factors including but not limited to economic hardship, individual and collective greed, cultural values – where negative practices are discretely encouraged – and the high cost and gaps in the educational system that do not emphasize the acquisition of skills among others. Testimonies from some returnees and experts at the session point to issues like having a landed property to bury ones parents, lack of jobs, epileptic power supply and high level of school dropouts – due to high cost of education – as potent fuels for the raging desire to illegally migrate at all costs or yield to the guile of trafficking cartels. Some even expressed the desire to embark on similar trips in future, irrespective of present dangers.

    Apart from the low international image foisted on the country by the increasing criminal acts of human trafficking and illegal migration, another takeaway is that the victims often have a tale of anguish, exploitation, dehumanization, bloodied nose, psychological and social disorientation to tell. While many suffer death in the process, others survive by the whiskers after serving jail term, forced labour, sexual exploitation and outright sale into slavery as being witnessed in Libya.

    The horrific signals of acts of torture, wholesale slavery as reported by major international media has been ineffectual in terms of deterrence as the orgy has not only become an epidemic of grave concern to government at all levels, communities and the international community, but remains a festering sore on the relations between Nigeria and global community in terms of individual, corporate and diplomatic engagements. Other Nigerians who are legally making forays into European countries often suffer the indignity of being treated with ignominy until they can prove that they are ‘clean and legit’ in line with the laws of individual countries.

    It is further noteworthy that even though governments, in transit and destination countries, have since rolled up their sleeves and initiated plans aimed at mitigating the modern slavery through effective law enforcement and provision of social incentives – to prevent the practice, prosecute traffickers, protect and reintegrate victims – the measures still seem like a drop in the ocean. This is in view of the sheer number of persons willing to embark on the tortuous expeditions through the apparent graveyards of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

    Also worthy of mention is the undertaking by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, that the roundtable would not be an end in itself, but the beginning of a series of initiatives and activities involving legislation, improvement in the quality of policy and implementation capacities as well as a re-engineered social response in tackling the menace of illegal migration and human trafficking.

    After the two-day intense deliberations, the participants in their communique recommended that strong measures involving all governments and communities be adopted immediately to stem the tide of young persons still undertaking dangerous and illegal journeys out of the country. They also canvassed that Nigerians in distress in countries wherever they are located should be assisted to return home. Their safety, security, and other rights must be protected by the Nigerian government and host governments until their status are clarified or they are returned home.

    They also advocated that intense awareness campaigns must be mounted to warn gullible young people against embarking on dangerous journeys, and to destroy the perceptions that foreign lands are the only route to wealth and happiness. They further stated that law, order and other regulatory agencies must be made more effective, efficient and accountable while their capacities to prevent, arrest and prosecute traffickers and collaborators in illegal or irregular migration should be strengthened and made evident.

    The conferees further urged the global community to improve its responses to the issues of irregular migration and human trafficking, adding that there is the need to intensify collaboration and cooperation between the Nigerian government and other governments to strengthen legal frameworks, innovative steps in dealing with repatriation and re-integration matters. The roundtable called on destination countries to invest in the Nigerian economy to improve its capacity to engage its young people who may be tempted to migrate to other countries.

    Besides, the roundtable resolved and recommended that government radically improve the nation’s economy to improve its capacity to grow and provide quality education and skills, jobs and other opportunities for young citizens because there are genuine roots of irregular migration and human trafficking located in the failure of young Nigerians to find places in the economy. The experts also advised that improvements in coordination of all government agencies involved in irregular migration and human trafficking need to be undertaken immediately. They underscored the need for state governments, particularly where younger people are more involved in irregular migration and human trafficking, to invest more in the acquisition of quality education, skills and jobs.

    The imperative that communities be more open in acknowledging and addressing where traditional and cultural values have been compromised was also underscored. This is because perverse mind-sets have taken roots and negative practices discretely encouraged.

     

    • Onogu is Chief Press Secretary to President of the Senate.
  • Human trafficking: NAPTIP hands over 17 victims to relatives

    Human trafficking: NAPTIP hands over 17 victims to relatives

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ) says it has handed over 17 victims of the 18 intercepted at a clinic in Maitama, Abuja to their relatives.

    The Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Josiah Emerole said this in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Emerole explained that out of the 18 persons, 17 of them were victims of human trafficking while the remaining one person held by his agency was a suspected agent.

    We recall that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board ( AEPB ) intercepted 18 suspected victims of human trafficking at a clinic in Maitama on Feb. 22 before it handed them over to NAPTIP.

    Mr Muktar Ibrahim, Head of Information and Outreach of AEPB had explained that 18 women were apprehended at a clinic and diagnostic centre in Maitama around 8 p.m. by a team of AEPB officials on night patrol.

    The women, who were purportedly on their way to Saudi Arabia, were allegedly directed by their traffickers to conduct some medical tests before they embarked on the journey.

    The NAPTIP’s spokesperson said that the agency handed the victims over to their relatives with a condition to provide them whenever they were needed as the case was still under investigation.

    He said that the agent was still being held by NAPTIP while the suspected traffickers were at large.

    According to him, his agency will do everything possible to arrest the suspects and bring them to book.

    Emerole noted that none of the victims had valid documents including international passports.

    He said that nine of the victims were from Kano state, four from Katsina, two from Nasarawa, two from Kwara and one from Jigawa state.

    NAN

  • Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    Saraki, Dambazau, EU back Edo’s fight against Human Trafficking

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau and the European Union have thrown their weight behind the Edo State government’s efforts at combating the scourge of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    At a Senate Round-table on Migration and Human Trafficking held in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, on Monday, Saraki commended the effort of Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, in the fight against the menace.

    He said that the effort by the Edo State Government was the beginning of many steps to be taken in halting illegal migration.

    He canvassed for renewed efforts in stemming the tide, noting that it was regrettable that youths save funds to leave the country and, in the process, fall prey to predators that sell them as slaves.

    Saraki urged stakeholders to join forces to fight the menace, noting, “The government has been doing its best to liberate Nigerians from slave trade in Libya, as many lives have been lost in the cause of irregular migration. The time is apt to end the scourge.”

    Noting that the summit is expected to provide direction on how to improve collaborations to tackle human trafficking, he said that some of the resolutions will lead to improved legislation, funding to agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and accelerating pending treaties.

    In his address, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said the incidence of irregular migration and human trafficking has become critical, noting that its magnitude wasn’t fully grasped before.

    Obaseki said the Edo government considered the menace at variance to the culture and value of the people, which led to the establishment of the taskforce to handle the issue.

    He added that the taskforce has “worked assiduously to achieve its objectives, as it has coordinated the receipt and reintegration of returnees, led the prosecution of offenders, and managed public perception to tackle stigmatisation.

    “Edo State Government under my watch considers modern day slavery, a practice that is at variance with our rich cultures and values.”

    Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, expressed concern over the trend, noting that it was unpalatable for youths to risk their lives across difficult terrains to Europe.

    The European Union (EU), Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, said it has recorded no fewer than 10,000 cases of irregular migration within the last two months.

    Karlsen said that EU’s illegal migration registration of the 10,000 took place in 2018, as the records were taken between January and February.

    He said that in 2017, EU registered about 187,000 cases, while number of deaths registered so far was 411, as against 116 reordered in 2017.

    He said that of the figure, Nigeria accounts for about 60 percent, adding that in view of this, there was need to correct the worrisome error.

    “What should be of worry and concern was the irregular migration and the conditions the victims were being migrated. We should also look at the causes for such migration,” he said.

  • ‘Assist in battle against trafficking’

    ‘Assist in battle against trafficking’

    NON-PROFIT organisations have been advised to use toll free lines to help rescue trafficking victims.

    The admonition was given by Polaris, a United States-based group leading the fight against modern slavery,  at a briefing with foreign journalists hosted by the Department of State’s Foreign Press Centre in Washington.

    The National Hotlines Director, Ms Caroline Diemar, who oversees U.S National Hotlines programme, stressed the importance of infrastructure and support in ensuring the application of hotlines and rescue text message tools for nonprofit groups.

    “Even though it is an NGO running the hotline, it should have government support not only for  funding purpose but for some form of legitimacy. At the same time, the independency of being an NGO hotline dedicated to combating and preventing human trafficking should not be eroded by government interference,” she said.

    Speaking on how Polaris leverages on data and technology to pursue traffickers, Andrea Rojas, manager of Strategic Communication, added that dedicated toll-free line has proved to be effective in fighting the scourge in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

    “A dedicated toll-free line for human trafficking is  definitely something to explore. We have done it in other countries as well and it works depending on the peculiarities of that country, but we definitely recommend a number that can be remembered by everybody.  It is not just for survivors but it is also for service providers because we know how mobile the population is,” Rojas said.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Elijah Rising: How a Faith-based Nonprofit is Fighting Sexual Exploitation in the U.S

    Elijah Rising: How a Faith-based Nonprofit is Fighting Sexual Exploitation in the U.S

    A room filled with hand-poured soy wax candles was the first sight that evoked a poignant feeling. Followed is the sight of T-Shirts and face caps on display for visitors delight. A couple of leather bags were hung on the wall, adding to the various types of products available in a room filled with ‘goods that empower’. The items were made by survivors of sex exploitation.

    Welcome to Elijah Rising, a faith-based nonprofit in Galleria West, one of the most sexualized districts in Houston, Texas, running with the mandate of driving the reality of modern-day slavery into the consciousness of the society. It is interesting to know that the building housing the headquarters of Elijah rising once housed an Asian brothel called Angela Day Spa. It used to be one of the original stops at Van Tours organized for interested persons on request.

    A tour round the Museum of Modern-Day slavery managed by Elijah Rising almost evoked a tear-jerking reaction. On display are collections of artifacts preserved from raids of motels and street interventions. The museum with a reputation of potency in exposing brutal realities of sexual slavery and commercial exploitation also houses a room, which is replica of a spot discovered during a raid of cantinas where women are being exploited in 2013. A cantina is a dimly lit tavern popular in Mexico and Spain cultures where traditional alcoholic drinks are served.

    In the small room, there is a mattress on the floor with ruffled pink bedspread. A waste bin containing trashed condoms stand in a corner, side by side a stool with photos of a woman cuddling a baby, a small bible and some condoms. In the other part of the museum are tattered brassieres and female shoes. These items were preserved during a raid of a motel used for housing trafficked women exploited in commercial sex.

    David Gamboa, a youth pastor who works as the Creative Director of Elijah Rising got an epiphany when he visited the organization on a museum tour.  David relived how he in a bid to find solution for teens addicted to pornography, he embarked on the museum tour, prompting them to come see the reality of what happens to women who are sexually exploited.

    “I believe something shifted in their mindset.  That was how I got involved with Elijah riding,” he recalled.

    As a faith-based nonprofit organization, Elijah Rising runs with the mission of ending sex trafficking and commercial sex exploitation through prayer, awareness and after care. These tenets of the organization’s mission are executed in the spirit of Isaiah 1:17, a Bible verse which speaks about doing good by rebuking oppressors and seeking justice for the fatherless and widows.  At the early stage, the nonprofit was solely focused on sex trafficking.  It expanded by giving priority to commercial sexual exploitation in order to address modern day slavery.

    “Elijah started out as a prayer group of concerned people who gathered to pray about this issue and we decided to evolve into an official nonprofit. Prayer is essential to what we do. In every place we go to, especially the van tours, the atmosphere is highly spiritual,” David offered.

    Samantha Hernandez, the director of interventions and strategies exudes the charm and charisma of a personality responsible for organizing rescue mission and leading after care programmes for survivors.  With hair tinted in colour blue, Samantha happily shows off her tattoo, which she describes as a Rehab tattoo. Rehab in biblical times was a prostitute who was redeemed and later got  mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.  Samantha later led the visiting journalists on a Van Tour, touching high probability trafficking areas in Houston. The Van Tour which can sometimes take up to two hours has been described as a ‘rolling human trafficking 101 class with visuals’.

    With interventions at specific days of the month, the organization trains church groups and leaders who go to various places where sex is sold.  Elijah Rising also reach out to women who are exploited online by training volunteers who phone perceived victim of trafficking to offer them a way out. At other times, they go out on the street, distributing food and relief materials to commercial sex workers. In reaching out to the women on the street, the volunteers also try to slip a phone number which leads to another team known as Rescue Houston, a nonprofit which can arrange for escape and connect survivors to resources.

    “Rescue Houston support women who are literarily stepping out from their traffickers who sometimes they are in love with. The team sit survivors through the trauma period by connecting them with resources and channels,” Samantha added.

    Stance on Prostitution

     Elijah rising takes a stand that prostitution whether legalized or not is a violation of human right. The stance is anchored on the fact that majority of clients serviced by the nonprofit who are in willing or trafficked prostitution face violence and abuse equally across the board.

    Affirming this position, Samantha said; “Every woman I have met who has been through prostitution or sex trafficking entered through coercion because they need to survive–that is not a choice, it is a product of a lack of choice. That is our stance and we take a lot of hate for it. We have clients that have been high end escorts who have been raped and forcibly beaten. The lines are almost the same.”

    The organization is also interested in policy as it is pushing for a legislation aimed at decriminalizing women who are being sold into sex slavery. Elijah Rising advocates for a higher penalty for traffickers or pimps.

    “There is a need to create a bad environment for buyers and pimps. Right now, prostitution is illegal in the U.S and prostitutes are likely to be penalized, so the approach is before they will be arrested, let’s get 50 people speaking to them that they have another choice,” David chipped in, adding that the organization caters to Christian and non-Christians alike.

    In a bid to shift culture towards not buying sex, Elijah Rising also reach out to men, using some reverse strategy where potential buyers could be educated. They also try to identify men who could be addicted to sex, helping them with resources on curbing addiction.

    In providing after care to survivors, Elijah Rising says it never exert pressure on women.  “We never stand between a woman and an exit.  When we reach them on phone, if they hang up, we send them a text message to reach out if they need help,” the organization stated.

    Some years ago, Elijah Rising acquired Kendleton farm, a small campus college with dorms and onsite house for staff which used to be a Christian college. The space fills the gap of the massive accommodation problem in Houston. The Kendleton farm which the organization said was purchased for an insanely low price is now under renovation. At the moment, it has five residential homes and massive admin building with dorm space.  So far, 12 women and five kids have been housed in the facility.

    Houston is a major player in human trafficking in the U.S. In a study by the Arizona State University, it was revealed that 21.4 percent of men within ages 18 to 65 had solicited sex online in Houston. The average age of entry into sexual exploitation in the city is 12 or 14. According to the United Nations, the global Human Trafficking industry is said to be worth over $50 billion.

     

    Hannah Ojo recently returned from a tour of three states in the United States where she participated in the Department of State’s Foreign Press Centre’s Combating Trafficking in Person programme.