By Emmanuel Antswen
The Okaha Women and Children Development Organisation (OWACDO), a non-governmental organisation, has trained 180 religious and traditional leaders on the prevention of human trafficking in Benue.
Mrs Joy Ijuwo, Executive Director (ED) of OWACDO, who spoke at the opening of the one-day workshop in Makurdi on Friday, said trafficking in persons and violence against individuals remained a serious crime in the world.
Ijuwo stated that the training, which is part of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), was sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
The ED commended the leaders for their commitment to the wellbeing of children and for availing themselves to be trained.
She stated that their presence further showed their strong commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and future of their communities.
Ijuwo said the STEAP project is aimed at addressing the growing challenges of human trafficking in Nigerian communities.
“Religious and traditional leaders hold a unique and powerful position in shaping values, influencing behaviour, and guiding communities toward justice and compassion.
“Your voices are trusted. Your leadership is respected. And your actions can drive meaningful change. Today’s engagement is not just about discussion; it is about collaboration and action.
“It is about strengthening our collective response, sharing knowledge, and identifying practical ways we can prevent trafficking and violence in Benue State and beyond; protect survivors that we come across; and promote a culture of respect and accountability,” she said.
Mrs Gloria Bai, Zonal Director, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), appreciated the leadership of OWACDO for the commitment to sensitising stakeholders on the new trends used by traffickers.
Represented by the Head of Operation, Mr Yusuf Abdul, Bai said many children in the state were trafficked within and outside Nigeria to countries such as Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso and Europe.
Dr Margaret Adams, Benue Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, said the government was ready to partner with the organisation to end human trafficking.
Adams, who was represented by Mrs Sember Saamo, Director of Education Support Services, said the engagement would further aid participants to understand the new tactics of traffickers.
The Ter Makurdi, Chief Vincent Aule, represented by the Kindred Head of Wurukum, Chief Ugondo Tov, said they would collaborate with NAPTIP and other relevant agencies to tackle the menace. (NAN)
