By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
The Delta State Government has warned human traffickers, fraudulent migration agents and illegal adoption brokers against exploiting children and other vulnerable persons in the state.
The warning was issued by the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications and member of the State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, who called on families and community leaders to remain vigilant.
Oghenesivbe said the warning became necessary following reported cases of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, alleged baby factories, illegal child transfers and other forms of exploitation.
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He said the state government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would strengthen efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute persons involved in the recruitment, movement, harbouring or exploitation of victims.
The Director-General said trafficking networks were increasingly taking advantage of poverty, unemployment, family vulnerability, ignorance and the desire of young people to seek better opportunities.
He said social media had also become one of the channels through which unsuspecting victims could be targeted.
According to him, fake employment offers, overseas education, modelling, entertainment, domestic work and marriage proposals could be used as recruitment strategies.
Oghenesivbe urged parents to verify the authenticity of any offer involving their children or wards before approving travel arrangements.
He advised families to verify recruiters, employers and agencies, obtain appropriate documentation and maintain contact with children throughout their journeys.
He also cautioned against transferring children to unverified orphanages, private homes, maternity facilities or individuals claiming to provide adoption, charitable or educational services.
STEAP Gets Government Support
Oghenesivbe highlighted the role of schools in combating human trafficking, urging teachers, principals and counsellors to watch for warning signs among students.
He said sudden withdrawal from school, unexplained absenteeism, behavioural changes, secret communication with unknown adults and unexplained travel or employment arrangements could warrant closer attention.
He commended the State Government and the Taskforce for supporting the Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP).
The programme, he said, provides teachers and students with knowledge to recognise and resist trafficking.
Survivors Require More Than Rescue
Oghenesivbe said trafficking victims should be treated with dignity and protected from stigma.
He listed medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, education, vocational training, family tracing and sustainable reintegration among the support required by survivors.
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“Rescue is only the beginning,” he stated, stressing that victims must not be returned to circumstances that could expose them to re-trafficking.
He called for stronger prosecution of traffickers, recruiters, facilitators and complicit agents to dismantle trafficking networks.
Oghenesivbe commended Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, and other members of the State Taskforce and collaborating agencies for their efforts.
He also praised Governor Oborevwori for supporting the Taskforce’s institutional framework and interventions.
The Director-General urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, health workers, transport operators, youth organisations and community groups to report suspicious recruitment and movement of vulnerable persons.