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Stakeholders Move to Stamp Out Trafficking in Persons in Southeast

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Stakeholders Move to Stamp Out Trafficking in Persons in Southeast

By: Michael Mike

Hard time awaits human traffickers and smugglers in the South Eastern Part of Nigeria and precisely in Anambra State as the State Government has concluded a plan to partner with the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) project through massive sensitization and awareness in all part of the State to reduce the vulnerability of the people.

This was one of the outcomes of the public awareness programme titled“ STOP TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND DISCOURAGE IRREGULAR MIGRATION”, attended by the Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, members of the State Executive Council, and Representatives of the Civil Society organisations among others, in Awka, on prevention organized by the A-TIPSOM project being implemented by the FIIAPP with funding from the European Union, for stakeholders in Anambra State.

There was also a Launch of “School Agent”, which took place as a significant part of the event with representatives from various major stakeholders from the state’s Education Sector.

Welcome address was given by the NACTAL Legal Adviser Mrs. Enwelim Ogechukwu during which she welcomed all participants to the event and encouraged all present for more collaboration with NACTAL and NAPTIP in the fight against irregular migration.

In her speech shortly before declaring open the programme, Mrs. Soludo expressed happiness over the presence of A-TIPSOM in the state which according to her was a major boost to the fight against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants in the state.

While reminding the participants about her passion for the project, the Anambra State First Lady promised that the government will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in the fight against Trafficking in the state and beyond.

The Team Leader of A-TIPSOM Nigeria Mr. Federico Millan, who was represented by the Senior Project Officer, Joseph Sanwo thanked the wife of the State Government for her efforts at ensuring that TIPSOM is stamped out of Anambra state.

He informed the gathering that the A -TIPSOM Project is funded by the European Union and implemented by FIIAPP to reduce the rate of TIPSOM in Nigeria by supporting the efforts of the Government through the major beneficiaries of the project.

A presentation on the scope of human trafficking with emphasis on the elements namely the Acts, Means, and Purpose of Human Trafficking was given by Mr. Omotosho Bello while the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Ify Obinabo, presented materials and sensitization items to the Students.

Highpoint of the highly successful event was the formal inauguration of the School Agents whose duties include educating their peers on the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration among other functions. Two students each from various schools present were administered the inauguration protocol.

Dignitaries at the prpgramme held at Finotel Hotel Awka, Anambra State include the State Commander of NAPTIP Ibadin Judith Chukwu represented by the Head of Public Enlightenment Victoria Anigbogu, The Commissioner of Youth and Development Mr. Patrick Agha Mbah represented by Udeh Chibuzor Micheal The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Dept Corp Commander Obasi Okonkwo FRSC Awka, NACTAL Legal Adviser Mrs. Enwelim Ogechukwu (Esq.), Head of Unit Anti Human Trafficking/Irregular Migration/Gender Based Violence NSCDC Anambra State Command Nwufoh Ebere, State Coordinator of NACTAL Miss. Eucharia Onyemaobi and over 50 students from different schools in Anambra State.

Stakeholders Move to Stamp Out Trafficking in Persons in Southeast

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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