The Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), Southern Kaduna Chapter has organised an awareness rally in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, to sensitise residents to the dangers of human trafficking, fake job offers and other forms of exploitation.
The event, held to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking, was themed, “Trapped Behind the Scam.”
Addressing participants at the Kafanchan NEPA Roundabout before the commencement of the rally, Barrister Alheri Daudu said the event was aimed at raising awareness of one of the world’s most devastating crimes and encouraging people to remain vigilant against deceptive schemes.
She said human trafficking often begins with false promises of jobs, scholarships, marriage proposals, overseas employment opportunities, modelling contracts and business ventures.
According to her, what initially appears to be an opportunity for a better life often turns into forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced begging, organ trafficking and other forms of abuse.
“We join the global community to mark the World Day Against Human Trafficking, a day set aside to raise awareness about one of the world’s most devastating crimes and to renew our commitment to ending it.
“The theme for this year, ‘Trapped Behind the Scam’, is both timely and deeply significant because it reminds us that human trafficking often begins with a lie,” she said.
Daudu noted that women, children and young people remained the most vulnerable groups, as traffickers frequently exploited their aspirations and economic difficulties through deception, intimidation and coercion.
She urged residents, especially young people, to verify the authenticity of offers relating to travel, employment and education before making commitments.
She also warned against the growing use of social media platforms, messaging applications and fraudulent recruitment websites by criminal networks to lure unsuspecting victims.
“Awareness is our first line of defence. No genuine opportunity should require secrecy or pressure. Before accepting any offer, people should seek guidance from trusted sources and the relevant authorities,” she added.
Also speaking, the Manager of the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Kafanchan, Grace Yohannah Abbin, said cases of human trafficking, particularly those involving sexual exploitation, had become a major concern.
She said some unscrupulous agents had continued to deceive young people, especially women and girls, with promises of employment, only for them to become victims of forced labour and sexual abuse.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Jema’a Local Government Area, Apostle Ben Omas Ayuba, called on parents and community leaders to pay closer attention to the activities of their children and wards.
The Coordinator of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Southern Kaduna Chapter, Rev. Jerry Yakubu, warned perpetrators to desist from the illegal practice, stressing that anyone found engaging in human trafficking would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
He said tackling the menace required the collective efforts of governments, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and community leaders.
The sensitisation walk commenced at the Kafanchan NEPA Roundabout and ended at Hospital Road Junction.
Participants included representatives of the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), youth organisations and other faith-based groups.
