The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has said human trafficking in the state is assuming an increasingly alarming dimension.
Judith-Chukwu also expressed worry over a disturbing trend in the state, where young people are now cohabiting by mutual consent solely to produce babies for sale.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in her office in Awka, on Saturday, she said NAPTIP, as an agency saddled with the responsibility, has performed fairly well by establishing state task forces to curb human trafficking in the rural areas, where it is most prevalent.
Judith-Chukwu, lamented that the sale of babies is more prevalent in rural communities, emphasised the need for widespread public enlightenment, particularly among residents of remote areas.
The NAPTIP Commander further stated that both the agency and the task force are committed to informing and educating the public about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers.
She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other influential figures to join the fight against what she described as “organised crime”.
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