The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicate human trafficking in the state.
The Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice and Senior Ibrahim Sulyman who doubles as the Chairman, of Kwara State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (TAHT), reiterated this during a press briefing in commemoration of the European Union Anti-Trafficking Day 2024 in his office.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partner with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other relevant stakeholders, to prevent human trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators of the act.
The Attorney General disclosed that, since its inauguration, over 200 cases were treated in the year 2022 by the task force.
He added that the task force embarked on sensitization exercises in some local government areas of the state to enlighten the people on human trafficking.
He stated that the government is aware of the devastating impact of human trafficking on individuals, families and communities at large, adding that this administration is committed to strengthening the law and policies to effectively combat human trafficking.
The Attorney General stressed the importance of collaboration with Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Persons (NAPTIP), to combat human trafficking.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Co-Chairman of the State Taskforce Committee, the State Commandant of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking Persons, Mustapha Ajara, stated that the day was set aside by the European Union to fight human trafficking.
He emphasized that unauthorized migration may result in human trafficking and urged relevant stakeholders in the immigration sector to address the issue of undocumented migrants.
The Secretary of the Committee, Funke Balogun commended the state government for setting up the Taskforce in the State, to ensure that victims are protected and perpetrators are brought to book.
She reiterated that the task force needs the support of the State Government to effectively operate.
The Coordinator, of Network Against Child Trafficking Abuse and Labour, Kwara State Chapter, Olufemi Oyedeji solicited more support from the Chairman, to ensure enforcement of the law on human trafficking and perpetrators are jailed appropriately.
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