MeCAHT, Interfaith, others seek end to human trafficking in Nigeria
By Jessica Dogo/Philomina Attah
An NGO, MeCAHT and other stakeholders have advocated the involvement of religious institutions to help in the fight against human trafficking in the country.
They partnered at a one-day Interfaith Conference and the inauguration of an Inter- Faith Manual in the Prevention of Human Trafficking on Wednesday in Abuja.
The programme was with the theme: “Human Trafficking Prevention, An Interfaith Approach”.
According to the International Director, MeCAHT, Ann Abok, the event sent a strong message that they were united in the fight against the heinous crime.
“Our commitment to eradicating human trafficking remains unwavering, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect the vulnerable and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We commend the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and the community in the successful counter human trafficking operation,” she said.
Mr Mohammed Babadede, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, SURE4U, said that the idea to use religious leaders would greatly assist the country in combating trafficking in human beings.
“Trafficking in human beings is as complicated as human behaviour itself.
“Despite the global acclamation that slavery has been eradicated in the country, human beings live in a slave-like condition even in the global North.
“The manual we are about to present is significant in assisting the law enforcement, prosecutors, caregivers, media and other actors to effectively combat trafficking in human beings by using religion.
“It is important for the imams and pastors to have this little guide in order to standardise the process and ensure that task are completed consistently and accurately,” he said.
Babadede said that the manual has been defined as ‘step-by-step guide-written document that would provide instruction on how to carry out this specific task and activity by the religious leaders.
He equally called for the development of another interfaith manual for politicians and elites to have mercy on the poor in order to effectively combat human trafficking in the country.
In her remarks, Karin kjeagaard, Founder, EXIST, said the collaborative effort marked a milestone in the commitment to eradicate the injustice of human trafficking.
“In the spirit of unity, diverse faith communities have joined forces in a collective effort to combat human trafficking.
“Today’s interfaith event marks a milestone in our commitment to eradicating this grave injustice. Together, we stand as a powerful force for good, promoting compassion, justice, and solidarity.
“Our shared values propel us forward, ensuring that the fight against human trafficking remains a beacon of hope for the vulnerable.
“Let this collaborative effort inspire change and illuminate the path towards a world where every individual is free from the shackles of exploitation,” she said.
The Chief Imam of Muslim Community Centre (MCC), Dr Tajuddeen Adigun, said every individual should be a partaker of combating trafficking in the country.
Adigun said interfaith has never disagreed on such development and called on all stakeholders to preach against human trafficking.
“This act by nature is demonising, cheating, demoralising and as such every individual must fight it because it is not human.
“Everybody should be a vanguard, parents should train their children to fight it with all their hearts and resources,” he said.
Rev. Sabonyaro Adams of Unity Baptist Church, said poverty, illiteracy and lack of good parental guidance were factors that promoted human trafficking in the society.
“They normally trick their victims and promise them what is not true just because they are ignorant,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gathering brought together leaders from both Christian and Islamic faiths to chart a way forward on an interfaith approach to human trafficking prevention in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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