Chief Dr. Fidel Onyeneke, a Media Relations Consultant, has called on Nigerians to collaborate with relevant agencies of government to combat human trafficking.
Onyeneke made the appeal in Owerri on Tuesday, condemning the increasing cases of human trafficking that have caused suffering for many families.
He expressed dismay that some individuals use economic hardship as an excuse to engage in this illicit trade.
Onyeneke emphasized that it is ungodly for cabals to lure unsuspecting people, including youths, to foreign countries where they are subjected to slavery, prostitution, organ harvesting, hard labour, and other inhumane situations.
The former Special Adviser to Imo Governor on Orientation stressed the need for intensified intelligence gathering by security operatives and adequate information provision by the masses to apprehend perpetrators.
Onyeneke urged various groups, including the media, religious organizations, and non-governmental organizations, to embark on advocacy and public sensitization programmes to educate people about the dangers of trafficking.
He advised NAPTIP to expose the strategies used by traffickers to deceive victims, enabling people to be aware of such negative approaches.
Onyeneke cautioned parents and rural dwellers to raise alarm when strangers approach them with attractive offers to take their children away for greener pastures.
He appealed to security operatives to live up to their expectations and ensure that those arrested for human trafficking face the wrath of the law.
Onyeneke lamented that most rural dwellers are prone to trafficking and called for community engagements at local government levels to enlighten the masses.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.