The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Tuesday, said that there was a need for a multi-agency approach to tackle human trafficking.
She has also hailed the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon for acting fast in rescuing Omolola Ajayi, 23-year-old Nigerian
Speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, she said the Lebanese, whom Omolola last worked for in Beirut, will fend for her ticket and other logistics in order to return her home.
According to her, “We are glad that the Nigerian embassy in Beirut was able to rescue Omolola, a victim of trafficking in Beirut, whose video went viral and we really have to thank our Ambassador and the Staff of the embassy there.
“Since they were able to communicate with her, they actually went to the place and were able to save her. Although she worked for different people, the boss in whose place they picked her, actually has to provide for her ticket and her passport; that is part of the rule, so she can return home.”
The chairman said the rescued lady was in the safe custody of Nigeria’s High Commission in Beirut and would soon be coming home.
She said, “Omolola should be back home very soon, so really a lot of commendation to our embassy in Beirut whose staff took up this case immediately.”
Abike-Erewa said her commission was seeking collaboration with agencies such as e the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP and other sister organisations, to curb the activities of human traffickers in the country, describing trafficking as an epidemic that needs to be tamed without delay.
She said, “Here is the thing, there are many more that have been trafficked, that are stranded, even in Lebanon. So, really those behind trafficking need to be arrested but that really would be the responsibility of NAPTIP.”
