The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has decried the spate of human trafficking in Anambra, stating that it recorded more than 40 cases in one year.

Judith-Chukwu Ibadin, the commander of NAPTIP in the state, said that most of the agency’s cases included child sexual exploitation and the sale of human beings.

“We have recorded and handled over 40 heart-touching cases of human trafficking in Anambra in the last year, and it bothers more on women and children.

“Children are being sold like commodities in the state which is why we hear cases of missing children. This is so disturbing,” she said.

She spoke at the opening of a three-day stakeholders’ sensitisation forum organised by Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM- Nigeria) on Wednesday in Awka.

The project was supported by the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Anambra Chapter and was funded by the European Union, the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP).

Mrs Ibadin further sought the support of the state government and relevant stakeholders to eradicate the menace.

Also speaking, Lilian Ezenwa, National Vice President, NACTAL, described the trafficking of persons and smuggling of migrants as a crime against humanity and should be eradicated in the country.

“Cases of baby sales and baby factories are becoming rampant in the south-East. So, the government needs to partner with stakeholders to curb these problems,” she said.

(NAN)