The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), says it recorded 29 human trafficking and sexual abuse cases in Kano State.
Alhaji Shehu Umar, NAPTIP Kano Zonal Commander, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Kano.
Umar said the cases from January till date involve two external human traffickings, two internal human trafficking, five child’s labour and 20 sexual abuse cases.
He, however, explained that the suspects had not been charged to court due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that some of the cases are still under investigation.
“When we conclude our investigations and we have enough evidence against the suspects, they will be charged to court,” he added.
The zonal commander further advised the state government to domesticate the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
According to him, this would protect children from predators lurking around in their communities.
“As far as NAPTIP is concerned we have some limitations but once the VAPP act is domesticated in Kano State, we will be able to do what we are doing better.”
Umar also urged people of the state to first rescue the victims of child or sexual abuse and report cases to the nearest security agency.
“We have a lot of cases where parents are afraid to report sexual abuse because of stigmatisation, culture and religion.
“I urge whosoever is involved either directly or indirectly to feel free and report such cases to NAPTIP,” he added.
