Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable residents.
The governor gave the assurance during an awareness walk to mark the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking on Friday in Lokoja.
Ododo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, described trafficking as a grave crime fueled by poverty, ignorance and deception.
She said the government remained committed to protecting the rights and dignity of residents and addressing conditions that expose people to trafficking.
Ayoade urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and schools to educate young people on the dangers of trafficking.
She also called on residents to support security agencies with credible information to dismantle trafficking networks within and outside the state.
The awareness walk, themed “Trapped Behind the Scam,” began at Paparanda Square and terminated at the Government House.
It was organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking, Patience Avosuahi, in collaboration with Avosuahi Global Initiative/Exploitation and Generous Creative Care Foundation.
Avosuahi said the campaign aimed to expose the deceptive tactics traffickers use to lure victims with false promises of jobs, education and better living opportunities.
According to her, women, children and unemployed youths remain the most vulnerable targets of traffickers.
She urged residents to verify suspicious job and travel offers and promptly report suspected trafficking cases to relevant authorities.
Avosuahi said ending trafficking required collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, schools, parents and development partners.
She commended Ododo for establishing the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking and supporting anti-trafficking initiatives.
The Majority Leader of the Kogi House of Assembly, Suleiman Abdulrazaq, said sustained public enlightenment and stronger stakeholder collaboration were vital to combating trafficking.
He pledged the Assembly’s support for policies that protect victims, strengthen prosecution of offenders and improve preventive measures.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
They said timely information remained critical to tackling human trafficking and other organised crimes.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants carried placards bearing messages including “Awareness Saves Lives,” “End Exploitation” and “Protect Dignity” during the walk through parts of Lokoja.
They also chanted “See Something, Say Something, Stop Something” and “Be the Voice, End the Silence,” urging collective action against human trafficking.
