Sanwo-Olu Urges Unity In Africa To Combat Human Trafficking, Ritual Killings

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday called on African leaders to create a united front against human trafficking and ritual killings to protect the people, punish the perpetrators, and restore dignity to those harmed by the atrocities.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at the First Annual Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, said the heinous crimes strip victims of their dignity and humanity.

The Governor also maintained that the fight against ritual abuse and human trafficking must transcend borders, institutions, and communities for Africa to reclaim its moral integrity.

He said, “Human trafficking is not an abstract problem — it is real and affects us all. It impacts millions across Africa, especially women and children, exposing them to forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and ritual abuse.

“The phrase ‘A United Front’ reminds us that this evil knows no boundaries. It can only be defeated through shared action, intelligence, and compassion. Governments must work alongside civil society, religious and traditional leaders, and the private sector to expose traffickers and protect victims.

“We also need to strengthen our laws to ensure that offenders are swiftly prosecuted while victims receive proper care and rehabilitation,” he stated.

Highlighting the efforts of Lagos State, the Governor noted that the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and international organisations, has increased its focus on prosecution, public education, and survivor rehabilitation.

“Here in Lagos, we are collaborating with our partners to strengthen the justice system and give victims a chance to rebuild their lives.

“However, the government alone cannot win this fight. It requires a coalition of justice ministries, law enforcement, community leaders, and faith-based organisations,” Sanwo-Olu declared.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, called for stronger community vigilance, legal enforcement, and international collaboration to eradicate the menace.

Justice Alogba lamented that centuries after the abolition of slavery, its modern offshoots — human trafficking, ritual killings, and organ trade — still thrive under different guises for economic purposes.

He argued that the problem cannot be effectively addressed without tackling the social and cultural beliefs that continue to justify the exploitation of human beings. “Our cultural ethos must be properly investigated. The use of human beings for rituals or any form of abuse, no matter how it is rationalised, is evil. The fight must start from our communities,” he said.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking, ritual exploitation, and migrant smuggling across Africa.

Fagbemi, who was represented at the event by the Team Lead for Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIPSOM) at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Ezinne Nwaokoro, said the government is determined to dismantle trafficking networks through coordinated legal, diplomatic, and community-based responses.

Nwaokoro stated that the Attorney-General has prioritised anti-trafficking reform through legislative review, enhanced partnerships with NAPTIP, and expanded international cooperation frameworks.