By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Human Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Gombe State Command has rescued about 102 victims of human trafficking since its inception in 2020.
The Gombe State Commander Aminu Muhammad Shira stated this during the commemoration of World Day Against Human Trafficking in Persons in Gombe the state capital.
He said the agency has recorded more than 61 cases of human trafficking and other related issues within the period.
Aminu Shira added that other cases involved were sexual abuse, unlawful canal knowledge, child kidnapping and abduction, missing child, and stolen baby among others.
He said the agency has empowered the survivors of human trafficking with skills acquisition, provided them with starter packs and re-integrated them back into society.
The State Commander said the agency recorded the achievements through collaboration with other security agencies in the state.
He noted that the agency would continue to partner with such agencies to achieve the desired results
He listed some of the challenges facing the agency which include inadequate funding, lack of support from communities and judiciary, delay in the prosecution of human traffickers, and absence of witnesses in court among others.
Aminu Shira further called on Government at all levels, Communities, Traditional and Religion Leaders, Non-Governmental Organisations and stakeholders to support the command in fighting the menace of human trafficking and child abuse.
The State Commander said the agency would continue to enlighten the public on the dangers associated with human trafficking and other related offences.
The theme for this year’s World Trafficking Day is “Reach every victim of trafficking, Leave no one behind”
