Kogi World Day Against Human Trafficking Walk »

The Kogi State Government on Thursday marked the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking with an awareness walk in Lokoja, urging residents to remain vigilant and work collectively to combat human trafficking, deceptive recruitment schemes and other forms of exploitation.

The campaign, organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Patience Avosuahi, in collaboration with Avosuahi Global Initiative/Exploitation and the Generous Creative Care Foundation (GCCF), brought together government officials, lawmakers, security agencies, civil society organisations, students, youth groups and residents.

Held under the theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” the road walk began at Paparanda Square, passed through the New Layout and ended at the Government House, where participants were addressed by government officials, security agencies and development partners.

In her welcome address, Avosuahi described human trafficking as one of the greatest threats to human dignity, noting that many victims are deceived with promises of employment, education and better living opportunities before being subjected to exploitation.

She said the awareness campaign was designed to educate the public on the realities of human trafficking and encourage communities to become active partners in preventing the crime.

According to her, the theme reflects the deceptive tactics traffickers use to target women, children and unemployed youths.
She urged residents to verify suspicious job and travel offers and report suspected trafficking cases to relevant authorities.

“Ending human trafficking requires a united effort involving government, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, schools, parents, development partners and members of the public,” she said.

Avosuahi also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for establishing the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable persons, promoting public awareness and strengthening partnerships against the crime. She further appreciated government agencies, security organisations, development partners, volunteers and participants for supporting the campaign.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of residents.

She described human trafficking as a criminal enterprise sustained by poverty, ignorance and deception and urged parents, community leaders, religious institutions and schools to educate young people about the dangers of trafficking.

Ayoade also appealed to citizens to support security agencies with credible information that could help dismantle trafficking networks operating within and outside the state.

The Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Salihu Abdulrazaq, said sustained public enlightenment and stronger collaboration among stakeholders remained essential to tackling human trafficking.

He assured participants of the Assembly’s continued support for policies and legislation that protect victims, strengthen the prosecution of offenders and improve preventive measures across Kogi State.

Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that timely information remains one of the most effective tools for combating trafficking and organised crime.

Representatives of the collaborating organisations highlighted the social, psychological and economic impact of human trafficking on victims and their families, calling for stronger partnerships between government institutions, non-governmental organisations and local communities.

Throughout the walk, participants displayed banners and placards bearing anti-human trafficking messages while chanting slogans promoting dignity, freedom and justice for victims.

The campaign reinforced advocacy messages including “Awareness Saves Lives,” “Community Action,” “End Exploitation,” “Protect Dignity,” and “Build a Safer World.” Participants also echoed the campaign’s call to action: “See Something, Say Something, Stop Something” and “Be the Voice, End the Silence.”

The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking, with participants agreeing that sustained public awareness, effective law enforcement, community vigilance and strong institutional collaboration remain critical to protecting vulnerable persons and ending human trafficking.