Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable residents across the state.
Ododo gave the assurance during an awareness walk marking the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking on Friday in Lokoja.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, the governor described trafficking as a grave crime driven by poverty, ignorance and deception.
He said the government remained committed to protecting residents’ rights and dignity while addressing conditions that expose individuals and communities to trafficking risks.
“Human trafficking is a serious crime that thrives on poverty, ignorance and deception. We must unite to protect our people,” he said.
Ododo urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and educational institutions to educate young people about the dangers associated with trafficking.
He also called on residents to support security agencies with credible information capable of dismantling trafficking networks operating within and beyond Kogi.
“Timely and reliable information can help security agencies identify and dismantle trafficking syndicates,” the governor added.
The awareness walk, with the theme ‘Trapped Behind the Scam,’ began at Paparanda Square and concluded at the Government House in Lokoja.
The event was organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking, Patience Avosuahi, alongside Avosuahi Global Initiative/Exploitation and Generous Creative Care Foundation.
Avosuahi said the campaign sought to expose deceptive tactics used by traffickers to lure victims with false promises of employment, education and improved living conditions.
She noted that women, children and unemployed youths remained the most vulnerable groups targeted by human trafficking networks.
“Traffickers often exploit people’s hopes and aspirations through fraudulent promises of better opportunities,” she said.
Avosuahi urged residents to verify suspicious job and travel offers and promptly report suspected trafficking cases to relevant authorities.
According to her, ending human trafficking requires strong collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, schools, parents and development partners.
She commended Ododo for establishing the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking and supporting anti-trafficking initiatives across the state.
The Majority Leader of the Kogi House of Assembly, Suleiman Abdulrazaq, stressed the importance of sustained public enlightenment and stronger stakeholder collaboration.
Abdulrazaq pledged the Assembly’s support for policies that protect victims, strengthen prosecution of offenders and enhance preventive measures against trafficking.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
They emphasised that timely information remained essential for tackling human trafficking and other forms of organised crime.
Participants carried placards bearing messages such as ‘Awareness Saves Lives,’ ‘End Exploitation’ and ‘Protect Dignity’ during the walk through Lokoja.
They also chanted, ‘See Something, Say Something, Stop Something’ and ‘Be the Voice, End the Silence,’ calling for collective action against human trafficking. (NAN)
