Chinedum Elekwachi
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has urged parents to monitor their children closely and avoid sending them to live with strangers under false promises of training or education.
Public Enlightenment Officer, Ifunanya Chukwu gave the advice at a state-wide sensitization and awareness rally aimed at ending child trafficking and underage sex work in Ebonyi State.
She reaffirmed the agency’s mandate to protect citizens from trafficking.
“Parents must monitor their children closely and avoid sending them to live with strangers under false promises of training or education,” she said.
State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Okorie Christopher described children as precious with fundamental human rights that must be protected.
He warned that anyone caught violating children’s rights will face justice and urged parents to prioritize education and skills training for their children.
“Children are precious and we must protect their fundamental human rights at all costs,” he said.
Rising cases of child trafficking
Representing the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Nwali Beatrice decried the rising cases of child trafficking in Ebonyi State, sharing a recent rescue of trafficked children in Ezza LGA.
She appealed to parents to “give birth to the number of children they can adequately care for” to prevent exposing them to traffickers.
EHWEI Program Officer, Mrs. Paul Gloria emphasized that child labour, molestation, and abuse are unacceptable.
“Our children are priceless and should never be stolen or sold into exploitation. EHWEI will ensure victims get justice and perpetrators face the law,” she said.
Earlier, Executive Director of EHWEI, Precious Igwe, called for united community action.
She highlighted the objectives of the rally to include informing the public about the causes, consequences, and prevention of child trafficking and underage sex work.
“It’s also to encourage community members to report suspected cases promptly and to promote a safe, nurturing environment for children free from exploitation and abuse.
According to the ED, ending child trafficking and underage sex work is not the duty of one organization alone.
Working together
Igwe said, “We need families, communities, government, and civil society to work together to protect our children.
”The rally also highlighted EHWEI’s collaboration with state ministries, NAPTIP, NHRC and other partners to ensure continuous monitoring, prompt rescue, and prosecution of offenders,” she noted.
Igwe announced plans to begin active street-level enforcement, including removing children found hawking during school hours and holding parents accountable.
“The sensitization rally achieved notable results, including increased public awareness of child trafficking and underage sex work.
She said the rally will further strengthen collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and communities, and greater community willingness to report suspected cases.
“However, challenges remain, such as the stigma and reintegration difficulties faced by survivors and the persistence of deep-rooted cultural and social norms that fuel exploitation.
“Moving forward, EHWEI will maintain strict confidentiality for whistleblowers, sustain public sensitization efforts across Ebonyi State.
“We’ll also collaborate with law enforcement to reassure communities, and engage traditional and community leaders to promote lasting cultural change.
“With the rally’s resounding call for action, EHWEI and its partners have set the tone for a stronger, united fight against child trafficking and underage sex workers.
Igwe said the interventions seek to ensure that every child in Ebonyi State can grow up safe, educated, and free from exploitation,” she added.
