The Ogun State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (OGTAHT) in collaboration with International Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) has stepped up measures against human trafficking and other related activities in the State.

          Lagos Zonal Commander, NAPTIP, Mrs. Comfort Agboko disclosed this during a sensitisation programme organised by (OGTHA) and (FIIAP) in Abeokuta.

          Agboko said it is imperative to involve traditional institutions as sensitisation agents in tackling human trafficking, noting that most people involved in the act are close associates of victims, who usually pretend as agents to recruit workers for foreign governments, companies, scouts for foreign football clubs with the aim of luring innocent citizens, particularly girls.

          According to her, ‘’the victims later end up being used as sex workers, forced into marriages, go into ritualists and organ harvest, forced labour, domestic services among others’’.

          She highlighted signs that could be used to identify people that are been trafficked which include, movement in groups, possession of fake traveling documents, children or young girls taking instruction from a person before making moves, strange faces within any particular area who struggle to speak local or general language of such community and with no knowledge about their destinations.

           Speaking earlier, the Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, represented by the Director, Citizens Right Department Alhaji Abdulazeez Ajidele said the Taskforce had identified traditional institutions’ closeness to the grassroots as a major tool in enlightening the general public on the dangers the victims are prone to, falling for the antics of traffickers.

          Ogungbade warned people engaging in human trafficking and other related offenses to desist, adding that the present administration in the State would not relent in its effort towards curbing the menace in the State, saying anyone caught in the act would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

          Also speaking, the Towufade of Akinale, Oba (Dr.) Olufemi Ogunleye appreciated the State government for engaging traditional rulers in curbing human trafficking, promising that various mechanisms would be put in place to sensitise members in their localities.

          Oba Olufemi urged the government to further ensure the active participation of youths, particularly those at the border communities in sensitising people in their various areas.