NAPTIP Bayelsa Assures Children Parliament of Zero Tolerance for Human Trafficking
By Ebis Freeman, Yenagoa – The Bayelsa State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach in the fight against human trafficking and related offences in the state.
The assurance was given by the State Commander of NAPTIP, Mrs. Ngozi Opara, when she received the Speaker of the Bayelsa State Children’s Parliament, Miss Yolanda Tokoni Youdubagha, and members of her team during a courtesy visit to the agency’s office in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Opara emphasized that the agency remains resolute in its mandate to combat human trafficking, stressing that traffickers would be made to face the full weight of the law.
She noted that NAPTIP is leaving no stone unturned in tackling the menace and called on children, youths, and members of the public to promptly report all cases and suspicions of human trafficking to the agency for appropriate action.
The NAPTIP Commander commended the Children’s Parliament for its interest in issues affecting children and encouraged its members to serve as advocates against trafficking and exploitation within their communities.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State Children’s Parliament, Miss Yolanda Tokoni Youdubagha, explained that the visit was aimed at seeking partnership with NAPTIP in addressing human trafficking, particularly issues affecting children in Bayelsa State.
She said the Children’s Parliament recognizes the dangers posed by human trafficking and is committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
Miss Youdubagha further pledged the support of the Children’s Parliament in creating awareness and educating children and communities on the dangers of trafficking and the need to report suspicious activities.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of the agency’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to the visiting delegation, as well as the symbolic issuance of red cards to human traffickers, underscoring NAPTIP’s unwavering stance against the crime.
The visit further strengthened collaboration between NAPTIP and the Bayelsa State Children’s Parliament in promoting child protection, advocacy, and the fight against human trafficking in the state.
