#NAPTIP Decries Use Of Technology To Recruit Trafficked Victims—-The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin Zonal office, has decried the use of technology for recruitment of trafficked victims in the country.
Mr Nduka Nwanwenne, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander in charge of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, made this remarks at a road walk to celebrate the 2022 World Day Against Human Trafficking in Benin on Saturday.
Nwanwenne said that theme for the 2022 Human Trafficking Day, “Use and Abuse of Technology” was apt.
He said: “Traffickers no longer go to houses to lure victims, they now deploy the use of technology through various social media platform.
“So, people need to be careful and vigilant as traffickers now use job opportunities and scholarships offers abroad to lure their victims.
“We need the collaboration of all stakeholders as NAPTIP can’t do it alone.”
The zonal commander said that in spite of the negative use of technology in facilitation of trafficking, it was also being used to create awareness and rescue of victims.
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He said that the Benin zonal office had rescued about three thousand victims and secured the conviction of 80 people since its establishment in the state.
On her part, Itohan Okungbowa, Secretary, Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, said the state government was doing a lot in recent times to cushion the effect of the economic crisis on youths.
She said: “The governor is doing a lot, both at the local and international levels to grow the state economy as well as keep youths engaged.
“There is currently a PPP arrangement to build the capacity of youths in furniture work in the state as well as other skils opportunities.”
NAN reports that the high point of the event was announcement as well as presentation of trophies to winners of the NAPTIP debate competition held for secondary school students in Benin on July 29.
