NAPTIP Raises Alarm Over Parents Allegedly Selling Children For Sex

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised the alarm over alleged instances of fogeys and guardians handing over their youngsters for sexual exploitation in change for cash, warning that perpetrators will face prosecution and the utmost penalties prescribed by legislation.

The company’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja whereas reacting to reviews of accelerating sexual abuse and assault towards youngsters, together with instances by which dad and mom or guardians allegedly facilitate the exploitation of their very own youngsters for monetary acquire.

Bello’s warning adopted the arrest of a middle-aged girl by NAPTIP operatives in Abuja over allegations that she gave out her teenage daughter to males for sexual pleasure in change for cash.

The company didn’t disclose the identities of the girl or the alleged victims.

Describing the alleged conduct as an excessive type of cruelty towards youngsters, the NAPTIP chief stated she was disturbed by reviews reaching the company’s headquarters and instructions throughout the nation.

“I am personally disturbed as a mother and as the Director-General of NAPTIP, by the reported cases of some parents aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of their children for monetary benefits,” she stated.

“From the reports being logged both at the Headquarters and in our commands across the country, it appears that this unhealthy development is on the increase.”

Bello condemned the alleged involvement of fogeys and guardians within the sexual exploitation of kids entrusted to their care, saying such acts betray the belief youngsters place in these accountable for their safety.

“I cannot imagine that a mother would agree to give out her daughter to men for sexual pleasure in return for money or other benefits. This is among the highest forms of wickedness, and it contravenes all legal frameworks, laws, and conventions, both national and global,” she stated.

She warned that sexual exploitation may have devastating penalties for victims’ bodily and psychological well-being, well being and future prospects.

The Director-General stated NAPTIP had strengthened its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and directed its instructions nationwide to accentuate surveillance, enhance fast responses to reported instances and pursue the efficient prosecution of suspected perpetrators.

She added that the company was collaborating with different legislation enforcement our bodies and related companions to make sure immediate investigations and prosecutions.

“No excuse is tenable for this devilish act, and in line with our mandates, we shall not spare anyone found culpable in any abuse and sexual assault on children across the country,” Bello stated.

The NAPTIP chief additionally warned dad and mom to train larger warning when using home employees and different service suppliers who’ve entry to their youngsters, notably when dad and mom are away from residence.

She urged households to conduct correct background checks on drivers, gardeners, home workers, school-run drivers and different distributors who repeatedly work together with youngsters.

According to her, some reported instances of abuse contain people who find themselves acquainted to the youngsters or have entry to them by means of their dad and mom’ households.

Bello cautioned dad and mom towards assuming that familiarity mechanically ensures the security of their youngsters, stressing the necessity for correct screening and vigilance.

The warning comes amid renewed requires stronger safety of kids towards sexual abuse and exploitation, notably the place alleged perpetrators are folks entrusted with their care.

NAPTIP stated it might proceed to pursue instances involving the sexual abuse of minors and maintain anybody discovered culpable accountable below the legislation.