The National Agency For Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons ( NAPTIP ), on Sunday warned people to desist from using children below the age of 12 years as housemaids.
NAPTIP described the act as child trafficking.
Director General (DG) of NAPTIP, Julie Okay – Donli gave the warning in Abuja during a thanksgiving service at Diocese of Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja as part of the activities earmarked for World Human Trafficking Day.
Mrs. Okay-Donli said the thanksgiving was to further educate people on human trafficking as most people do not really understand what it means.
While condemning the act of using under age children for house help, the DG also warned people that adopt children to always follow due process.
Her words: “We also want to talk about the issue of adoption. A lot of people buy children, you don’t need to buy, there are legal ways of getting children. We found out that so many women who are buying children even deceived their husbands, claiming they are pregnant for 9 months then later go and buy children.”
Donli added that in the last one year, the agency has been able to secure 43 convictions and about 359 convictions and numerous arrest since its inception.
The clergy men later prayed for NAPTIP workers at the service for God’s protection in the line of duty.
She concluded that the activities on World Human Trafficking will commence today with a walk starting by 10 am at Old Parade Ground, Abuja.