Human trafficking: Don’t let your children fall prey to tricksters, NGO tells parents
NAN-H-37
Trafficking
By Olayinka Olawale
Lagos, Jan. 15, 2018 (NAN) An NGO, Out-of-School Empowerment Foundation, Lagos, on Monday advised parents and guardians to be wary of people who trick children and wards abroad for human trafficking.
Mr Akeem Kilani, Director of the Foundation, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. in the wake of the increasing number of Nigerian returnees from Libya.
The Out-of-School Empowerment Foundation is set up to facilitate school enrolment for out-of-school, abused and physically challenged children in Lagos and its environs.
Kilani said that many children and teenagers have become slaves because of flamboyant promises made to their parents by people who pretended to provide better education abroad.
He said government at all levels must continue to educate the public on the danger associated with going to foreign countries illegally to seek greener pastures where there was none.
“Look at what is going on in Libya; selling human beings for 400 dollars is a serious concern to everybody.
“Everybody should do everything possible to stop this wicked act in the 21st century.
“If we can get it right by enrolling our children back to school and we can give them hope and future, others will not fall victim.
“If anybody wants to lure them into activities that are not good, they can say no and alert their teachers and parents.
“Children of today are very smart; ask them questions and you will know how smart they are, so if we enrol such children in school, they will do better.
“Investigation has shown us that children who fall victim of trafficking do so because of education and hunger,’’ he said.
Kilani urged parents to endeavour to enrol their children and wards in public schools which he described as relatively free, to keep them busy and engaged during the day.
He said parents must beware of friends, neighbours and relatives who they release their children to for care outside their domain.
“A child who is in school will never fall victim to any trafficking ring because the child is well informed, engaged and educated.
“The community, parents, guardians must work together to end child trafficking, and ensure that no child is on the street during school hours within the community,’’ he said.
Kilani urged the Federal Government to ensure that all Libya returnees who are of school age return to the classroom, while others should be trained in skills acquisition and empowered. (NAN)
OOG/IKU/SOA
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Oluwole Sogunle