Robust enlightenment, legal action needed to end child abuse, trafficking in Nigeria – Stakeholders

By Uwakmfon Dan

Stakeholders from different sectors have identified robust public enlightenment and effective implementation of relevant legislations as necessary efforts needed to tackle child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.

This was part of resolutions reached at the end of a Stakeholders and Media Dialogue on Child Trafficking and Abuse in Nigeria, organised by the Youth Alive Foundation (YAF) Africa, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, held at the Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, last week.

At the event, stakeholders, including government agencies, security organisations, NGOs, CSOs, journalists, social media influencers, legal practitioners, students, concerned citizens and advocates, pointed out that an effective implementation of relevant laws would ensure due punishment for perpetrators of child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, to serve as a deterrent to others.

To enhance public education and enlightenment on the protection of children, the stakeholders also made a case for a synchronised data management and information sharing system, as well as active involvement of the media, traditional and religious leaders in the fight against child abuse and trafficking.

While calling on the government and public spirited individuals to recognise and assist vulnerable children, especially, those begging on the streets, the stakeholders further urged that prevention of child abuse and prosecution of offenders be treated with some level of urgency.

Other action points reached at the event were that; “Security agencies should give prompt responses to reports of child trafficking and abuse. There should be a sophisticated communication network between stakeholders, to match the highly organised network system of perpetrators. There is need for the presence of Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, private and government agencies in rural communities, most especially, the borderline communities.”

“Clinical components such as medical evidence are some of the bottlenecks to secure prosecution of perpetrators, as such, victims should be given quick and immediate medical attention in any hospitals they approach. The referral pathways should be adhered to; that is, Ministry of Women Affairs –the Nigerian Police Force/NAPTIP/other relevant security agencies –Government hospitals for medical attention. Individuals are encouraged to volunteer and give information on trafficking and abuse to relevant stakeholders.”

Earlier in her remarks at the event, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Barr. Emem Ette, named Akwa Ibom as one of the states in Nigeria severely affected by child abuse.

Ette who however described child abuse and trafficking as a global menace, hinted that children between ages 8 and 18 were mostly used for prostitution in the state.

She listed Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim, as some local government areas where prostitution was mostly perpetuated in the state.

“Child abuse and trafficking is one of the horrific and terrifying social problems all over the the world. Sadly, Nigeria and Akwa Ibom have been worst hit by this epidemic. Our children are being trafficked outside the state, mainly for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

“Daily, our children are brought to us in truck loads from Mali, Libya, and other places. The other day, we took delivery of 33 girls. One of them, her intestines were hanging out from the vagina. For some, we were able to restore them and some of them are dead”, she said.

On the essence of the Dialogue, Barr. Ette stressed that the event was aimed at identifying causes of child trafficking and abuse, as well as finding a lasting solution to what she said has remained an age-long menace.

On her part, Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Obot Bassey, identified drug abuse one of the factors fueling child abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.

While calling for a concerted approach in the fight against child abuse and trafficking, Mrs. Obot pledged that her Agency will not relent efforts in tackling sell and consumption of illicit drugs in order to checkmate incessant child abuse cases in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

Similarly, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Akwa Ibom State, Uko Udom, SAN, represented by the State Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mfon Edemekong, said that the state government would continue to maintain zero tolerance for child abuse and trafficking.

He commended the State Taskforce on Child Trafficking for living up to its responsibilities and encouraged more groups and individuals to join the fight against child abuse.

The event which featured a panel discussion, was also graced by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan and representatives of government agencies, security organisations, NGOs, CSOs, media organisations, social media influencers, legal practitioners as well as students.