A Bauchi State-based non-governmental organisation, Rescue Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD), has urged collaboration of the media, traditional and religious leaders to combat human trafficking, child labour, and gender-based violence in the state.
The call was made by RISD’s executive director, Mr. Sulaiman Henna, during a media parley on the domestication and enforcement of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law held at the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, supported by Global Affairs Canada through Plan International Nigeria’s ASPIRE project.
Mr. Henna highlighted the critical role of the media and community leaders in reporting suspicious activities to curb human trafficking.
He urged them to remain vigilant and proactive in raising awareness and supporting enforcement efforts.
Mr. Abdurrahman Abdullahi, Head of Operations at the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), raised concerns about the rising prevalence of human trafficking in Bauchi.
He stressed the need for a coordinated response from all stakeholders to address the menace effectively.
Religious leaders, including Imam Muhammad Madaki of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Reverend Yuhanna Ali of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for a united front to eliminate the practice, emphasizing the moral and ethical duty of faith-based communities in protecting vulnerable individuals.
