The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has raised alarm over the growing trend of human trafficking in the state, describing it as deeply disturbing and increasingly sophisticated.
Speaking with journalists in her office in Awka on Saturday, Judith-Chukwu highlighted a worrisome development in which young individuals are now engaging in consensual cohabitation solely for the purpose of producing babies to be sold.
“We’ve encountered cases where a young woman becomes pregnant and, shortly after, someone poses as a husband. Once she delivers, the child is taken away—often without her knowledge—and sold,” she said.
The NAPTIP commander noted that this trend is especially rampant in rural communities, urging for more aggressive public awareness campaigns targeted at those areas.
“Human trafficking in Anambra is more common in remote communities. That’s why public enlightenment is crucial,” she stressed.
She added that NAPTIP has made commendable progress through the creation of state task forces specifically focused on tackling trafficking, particularly at the grassroots.
“Since its inception in 2020, the Anambra State Task Force on Human Trafficking has been active in organising public sensitisation programmes to educate residents on the patterns and tactics of traffickers,” she said.
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Judith-Chukwu further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers to actively support efforts to combat what she described as “an organised criminal enterprise.”
“We are working closely with law enforcement agencies, faith-based organisations, and community groups to ensure the message reaches every part of the state,” she added, noting that the upcoming August Meeting presents a strategic opportunity for extensive outreach and education.
