Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating human trafficking in the state, to enable citizens live a meaningful life and excercise their fundamental human rights, within and outside the State.
The Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice and Senior Ibrahim Sulyman Esq. who doubles as the Chairman, Kwara State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (TAHT), reiterated this today, during a press briefing in commemoration of the European Union Anti Trafficking Day 2024 in his office.
Delivering his speech, the Commissioner reaffirmed 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 evil act.
The Attorney General affirmed that, since inauguration, over 200 cases were treated in year 2022 by the TaskForce, who equally embarked on sensitization excercise in some Local Government Areas of the State, to enlighten the Masses.
Highlighting government efforts at curbing human trafficking in the Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim stated that, 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 polices, with a view to continually review and improve on them, to effectively combat human trafficking.
Sulyman assured the gathering that, the present government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, will enhance the capacity of law enforcement Agents, through trainings and other capacity building programmes, for judicial officers, as well as support victims to better their lives.
The Attorney General stressed further the importance of the collaboration with relevant stakeholders, in combating human trafficking, such as; Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Persons (NAPTIP), traditional and religious leaders, academics and other stakeholders, are crucial to raising public awareness.
The Justice Commissioner disclosed further that, government will share intelligence and best practices to identify and destrupt trafficking networks and provide support for victims and their families and ensure justice for and rehabilitation of victims.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the co Chairman of State Taskforce Committee, the State Commandant of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking Persons, Alhaji Mustapha Ajara, disclosed that the day is set aside by European union to fight human trafficking, “Kwara following the footprint therefore shows it really feels the impact.”
According to him, Irregular migration can lead to human trafficking, therefore there’s need to double efforts, so that perpetrators could be brought to book.
The Secretary of the Committee, Barrister Funke Balogun appreciated 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 Taskforce needs support of the State Government to effectively operate, adding that, some States have established Anti-Human Trafficking Agencies therefore, Kwara State could adopt same, being a transit and supply State.
The Coordinator, Network Against Child Trafficking Abuse and Labour, Kwara State Chapter , Mr. Olufemi Oyedeji solicited for more supports from the Chairman, to ensure enforcement of the law on human trafficking and perpetrators are jailed appropriately.
