The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) inaugurates task force against human trafficking in 14 states. The DG of NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli disclosed this in Abuja to keep the media and the general public abreast of the emerging issues aimed at making Nigeria a non-trafficking and violence free nation.

According to Okah-Donli, NAPTIP’s attention was drawn to numerous false statements relating to government’s attempts to respond to incidences of rape and other types of abuse.

The Agency gave an update on the Sexual Offender Register which was launched in 2019 noting that it had registered a total of 414 reported cases with 38 names on register with around 107 checked by finger print.

Okah-Donli said the agency secured 38 convictions including one life conviction. Others are 40 cases of abuse and infidelity, 15 incest cases, 12 threats, 7 abductions and 10 maltreatments addressed during the lockdown by NAPTIP Rapid Respond Squard (NRRS).

“While NAPTIP appreciates the commitment and enthusiasm from both state and non-state actors, it is important to emphasise the need for proper coordination and synergy to ensure that our joint efforts are effective. I will like to appeal to all stakeholders to support the system already in place in NAPTIP, instead of setting up parallel system that have no legal backing and are certainly not comprehensive.’’ she pleaded.

Okah-Donli also said NAPTIP had commenced advocacy for the mainstreaming of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to tackle the menace of rape and other forms of gender violence.
This development would help to remove some of the notable legal hitches and caveat that had impeded the domestication of VAPP Act by some states in the country.
According to the DG, the agency will continue to engage and enforce the necessary state instruments in ensuring protection of Nigerians from SGBV.

She commended the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly and State Governors for the political will demonstrated in pronouncement of legislations to stop social vices in the country.

Shittu Yunus Shittu reports for Women Radio 91.7 in Abuja
news@wfm917.com