By Bridget Ikyado
The Justice Development and Peace commission (JDPC), of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has organised a day of interfaith prayer and rally to create awareness on the dangers of human trafficking in the country.
The event had the Action Against Trafficking in Persons cluster of the JDPC.
Mr. Timothy Ejeh the Programme Director of JDPC, in his welcome address, emphasised the essence of the interfaith prayer rally.
“Human Trafficking does not know tribe, religion or race, it is a crime against humanity and must be stopped,” Ejeh said.
According to him the commission is joining other JPDC chapters globally to mark the 2023 International Day of prayer against human trafficking.
“This day is celebrated by the Church to mark the feast of St Josephine Barkhita, who was a victim of trafficking during her life time.
“We use the saint as an intercessor, and for intervention through prayers to God to eliminate trafficking in our society.
Speaking to journalists after the prayer session, the Director of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uko, explained why the celebration of day of prayer was necessary.
“We are God’s children and the link we have with God is through prayers.
“Everyday of our lives we try to link with our creator in prayers, which is necessary.
“Whatever has been a lingering problem, causing pain and trying to cause backwardness must be prayed about, human trafficking is evil.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, who was represented by the Chief Intelligence Officer on Public Enlightenment, Mrs. Emuze Helen, outlined some of the efforts the Federal Government was making in curbing human trafficking.
“The agency has done a lot to curb human trafficking in Nigeria, we have held sensitisations and inaugurated 62 anti human trafficking vanguards in all the unity colleges in Nigeria.
“NAPTIP has also been given approval to establish this anti trafficking vanguard in all the military schools and police colleges.
“We are engaging communities, as the most vulnerable are found there, we expose the dangers of human trafficking and all the forms used to trick people into the evil act,” Waziri Azi said.
NAN reports that the event also provided an opportunity for the cluster members to brain storm on how best they can fight the menace of trafficking in the country.
The participants thereafter took to the streets of Abuja on a road show to create awareness on the dangers of human trafficking.