Cocreate Humanitarian Aid expressed deep concern yesterday regarding the distressing situation of Nigerians trafficked to Italy and various parts of the world. The humanitarian body disclosed that families are parting with their loved ones for as little as N30,000, or approximately $20.
This revelation unfolded during the Sustainable Reintegration for Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings (SuReViTH) Stakeholders Roundtable Meeting at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event brought together governmental bodies, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by victims of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB).
Cocreate Humanitarian Aid highlighted the grim reality that, after escaping their traffickers, some THB victims find limited support in available governmental or non-governmental shelters, while others receive no assistance at all.
The organization emphasised the scarcity of resources, be they financial or otherwise, for providing essential long-term care and support for the sustainable reintegration of THB victims in Nigeria.
The meeting, attended by numerous NGOs, aimed to explore what sustainable reintegration for victims of THB in Nigeria entails. It sought a better understanding of how such efforts could reduce the risks of re-exploitation and involved discussions on key players, potential partners, and insights from THB victims themselves.
The founder of Cocreate Humanitarian Aid, Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, expressed her shock at the distressing numbers of Nigerians resorting to perilous routes to leave the country and the violence they encounter. Dr. Adeyinka underscored the disturbing revelation of family involvement, where relatives, including fathers, mothers, aunties, friends, cousins, and uncles, play a role. She disclosed instances where individuals were sold for a meagre sum of N30,000, terming it “shocking.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commented on the robust stakeholder meeting, highlighting the importance of sharing information and knowledge to enhance efforts in addressing human trafficking. The commissioner acknowledged that there is much work to be done to tackle this pervasive issue effectively.
