The Anti-Human Trafficking unit in the Badagry Division has sensitized Deaf persons and students on safety measures against human trafficking in Badagry.
The training, organized by the Badagry Welfare Association of the Deaf (BWAD) during its meeting on Sunday, February 9, 2025, had over 30 members in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rasak Okoya, a representative of the Anti-Human Trafficking unit, LNSA, Badagry Division, noted that due to the rising cases of human trafficking and the kidnapping of schoolchildren, the Lagos State Government, through the General Manager of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, has taken proactive steps to educate students, school pupils, and adults on safety measures against human trafficking and kidnapping.
While educating persons with disabilities on various tactics used by traffickers and kidnappers, Okoya urged them to be particularly cautious of vehicles without license plates.
He emphasized that the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency, remains committed to safeguarding children and persons with disabilities across Badagry.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Sejoro Peter Ekundayo, Chairman of the Badagry Welfare Association of the Deaf, stated that the sensitization was necessary because some Deaf individuals, particularly women and girls, had been trafficked to other African countries for forced begging and prostitution.
According to him, “Recently, some of our members were trafficked to other African countries for begging. One was fortunate to return home, but another has yet to be reunited with her family.”
He expressed hope that with this training, Deaf women and children would be better equipped to protect themselves against human trafficking and kidnapping in Badagry.
Mr. Ekundayo called for increased support from all levels of government and the private sector to combat this menace effectively. He thanked the management of LNSA for taking a bold step to curb human trafficking to the barest minimum.
He also emphasized the need to establish a strategic collaboration with border immigration authorities to ensure the effective apprehension of traffickers and the rescue of victims.
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