‘Abia building ecosystem to fight human trafficking’

The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Nkechi Ikpeazu has said efforts being made in the state will reduce human trafficking to the barest minimum soon.

Mrs Ikpeazu, who hosted the State Commandant of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking Against Persons NAPTIP, emphasised that stakeholders need to give greater attention to victims and employ their experiences in charting ways of combating and preventing the crime.

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“We need to listen more to the voices of victims even while we focus on bringing their abusers to justice,” she said.

Mrs Ikpeazu said she is leading robust interventions in the area of sexual and gender-based violence, which will deliver an ecosystem in Abia State that will support a reduction in gender-based violence including human trafficking, and complement the assignment of NAPTIP.

Mrs Ikpeazu said the availability of stronger legislation such as the Abia State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Child Rights Law 2006 under review will help to meet modern realities of protecting women and children, especially against trafficking and child labour.