The Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) and CTIP Commission Cluster in Benue State have reiterated the call on the Benue State Government to take all necessary measures to curb the high incidence of human trafficking plaguing the state in recent times especially by establishing a Countering in Traffic of Persons Commission.
Rt. Rev. Inyon, N. N. (Bishop), speaking on behalf of AAF-CTIP Commission Cluster Benue State, also advised that the state government should establish structures at local and state levels to ensure the reduction.
Inyon made the demand during the walk to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Leave No Child Behind”. He also welcomed the assurance of Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice to support all efforts at combating human trafficking in the state during an advocacy voice call prior to the rally.
The walk led by CTIP Commission Cluster Benue in collaboration with NAPTIP, UNHR, members of the Armed Forces, the media, NGOs and other stakeholders. The walk was organised in implementing the “Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE)” Project in Oyo, Taraba and Benue states of Nigeria with funding support from USAID through Palladium.
The project aims at establishing a Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) commission in the target states. AAF comprises of selected organisations such as FJDPC from Oyo, NUJ from Taraba and ECJP, OSA and GERI from Benue State.
The 2km walk started at the IBB Square, High Level Makurdi and proceeded through major streets in the city, raising awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking and calling for a collective action to combat the crime. Participants carried banners, posters and placards with messages condemning Human Trafficking and advocating for the protection of victims.
Key officials from NAPTIP, the Armed forces, the media and CTIP Benue state Cluster, NGOs addressed the participants and members of the public, emphasising the importance of collaboration in the Fight Against Human Trafficking. They highlighted the need for a united stand, stronger laws, more resources and increased awareness to effectively combat the scourge of Human Trafficking in Nigeria and Benue State in particular.
The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, in his address at the rally, reassured CTIP Commission Cluster of his support and collaboration.
The security adviser to the Governor in address also gave his commitment to ensure that the attention of the Executive Governor will be further drawn to the ills of Human Trafficking activities as highlighted by the CTIP Benue State Cluster and the urgent need for a CTIP commission to be established as emphasised.
The rally ended with the CTIP Cluster commending the government of Benue State for their efforts so far and also ask that a CTIP commission be adopted by the designated committee put in place by Governor Alia led government for the immediate conduct of policy Gap mapping in the state within a 30-day period aimed at mopping up all outstanding laws and policies that are yet to be domesticated in Benue State.
The AAF/CTIP cluster Benue State hopes that, with her advocacy and sensitisation, members of the public and stakeholders will “Leave No Child Behind” in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons particularly in Benue State, Nigeria.
