- Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, the Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, has emphasized the alarming rise in human trafficking in the state.
- Judith-Chukwu expressed concern over a disturbing trend in the state where young people are cohabiting mutually to produce babies for sale.
- In an interview with journalists, the head of NAPTIP stated that the agency has effectively established state task forces to combat human trafficking in rural areas.
The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has raised serious concerns over the escalating human trafficking crisis in the state, describing it as a growing threat, especially in rural communities.
Speaking during a media briefing at her office in Awka on Saturday, Judith-Chukwu highlighted a deeply troubling trend where young couples now cohabit by mutual agreement with the sole purpose of producing babies for sale.
“We have seen situations where a girl gets pregnant, and someone suddenly proposes marriage. After she gives birth often without her knowledge or consent the man takes the baby and sells it,” she revealed.
She noted that such incidents are particularly rampant in remote areas, where awareness about trafficking is low and access to support is limited.
Judith-Chukwu stated that NAPTIP has made significant strides by setting up state task forces aimed at tackling trafficking crimes tailored to specific local challenges. In Anambra, the task force established in 2020 has been actively conducting public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the deceptive methods used by traffickers.
“I can say that NAPTIP has performed fairly well by establishing state task forces.
“These task forces are addressing crimes specific to each state, especially those related to human trafficking.
“The task force in Anambra State is active and being equipped to handle the situation.
“Since its establishment in 2020, the Anambra State Task Force on Human Trafficking has initiated various activities, including public sensitization campaigns, to raise awareness about the trends and patterns of human trafficking,” she added.
She emphasized that the key to combating trafficking lies in consistent public enlightenment, particularly at the grassroots level. Both NAPTIP and the state task force, she affirmed, remain committed to educating communities on how to recognize and resist trafficking tactics.
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