HOHF SETS OUT-MOUNTS WAR AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Erdoo Due
Following the rise in child trade which has threatened human freedom across the Nation, House of Hilkiah Foundation (HOHF) a non-governmental organisation in partnership with Lisseth London Global Consulting today 6th February 2021 flagged off campaign against human exploitation/ trafficking at IDP Camp Tse Yandev.
The Executive Director HOHF Dorothy Akende appreciated the camp members for their patience and endurance, Lisseth London Global Consulting and NAPTIP for their support thus far stating that, the campaign became necessary following the increase in number of children taken by kidnappers, child traders and ritualist. She said, “Most recently, about 19 children have been adopted within the state; 14 from Vandeikya and 5 from Ushongo LGAs with the deceit of giving them job opportunities while enslaving them (child labour) in a camp within Lagos.” Speaking further, she said the campaign is to be carried out in Abuja, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue anong others, with the hope that this enlightens the vulnerable groups. She challenge the camp members to be vigilant at all times especially concerning the movement of their children and visitors. She further appealed that, the Government synergizes with CSOs and other law enforcement agencies to combat this ravaging crime.
Responding, Camp Chairman, Azenda John said, “in the past we were giving out children from the camp to well meaning individuals however, we have stopped due to fear arising from child trafficking.We also try to verify individuals who troop into the camp seeking children through the stakeholders of the land.” He further pledged to encourage camp members on adherence to child vigilance.
Mbayaa Kumedyer appreciated the good work of HOHF in trying to meet their needs. He spoke in pidgin saying;“Because we no dey fit farm again we no get food for our children like dat so any body wey give dem food dem the follow the person, so make government try make we go back to our villages.”
For Comfort Nyitaa Security is a great challenge, if security personnel are deployed to the camps it will do good, especially in controlling the influx of strange persons within the camp and children truancy
On her part, Nancy Ayuutse lamented the non challant attitude of some parents stating that, “if you see person pikin dey do bad tin or waka or even follow all those big men motor wen dem park, wey u talk, some of dem mother and father go insult you.” she appeals that parents should join hands so they can caution children to stay void of these exploits. Basic complains from camp members were outstanding medical bills due to poor health, poor camp housing structures as well as prevalence of mosquitoes. Food, clothes and other relief materials were distributed to members of the camp.
According to United Nations 21,000 women and children are being trafficked every year in Nigeria since 2017 a figure presumed to rise enormously if not cautioned. HOHF also focuses on interventions relating to youth and women empowerment.
