In the face of worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, a disturbing trend has emerged, as some desperate Nigerians are resorting to selling their own relatives to human traffickers for as little as N30,000 (approximately $20).
Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, the Founder of Cocreate Humanitarian Aid, brought attention to this alarming practice during the Sustainable Reintegration for Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings (SuReViTH) Stakeholders Roundtable Meeting held in Lagos on Thursday.
Dr. Adeyinka expressed deep concern for the plight of Nigerians who fall victim to human trafficking, particularly those trafficked to countries like Italy.
She highlighted the challenges faced by survivors who manage to escape their traffickers, often seeking assistance in governmental or non-governmental shelters with limited support.
The Founder emphasised the scarcity of resources, both financial and otherwise, for providing the essential long-term care and support necessary for the sustainable reintegration of victims of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) in Nigeria.
Adeyinka stated, “When I started, I was shocked by the numbers of Nigerians leaving the country through dangerous routes, the numbers being trafficked abroad, the violence they experienced.
“For a lot of them, there is no hope, they don’t know where to go, and one of the biggest shocks to me was family involvement; seeing the involvement of fathers, mothers, aunties, friends, cousins and uncles. Sometimes we find that the person was only paid N30, 000 and they sell a family member and that was shocking.”
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The roundtable discussion centered on strategies for creating sustainable reintegration for victims of THB in Nigeria. Participants addressed the challenges hindering effective and sustainable reintegration and explored successful collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Commending the participants for their efforts, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, pledged the government’s commitment to educating young Nigerians about the risks of illegal migration.
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