NAPTIP DG, Julie Orkah-Donli Offers Crucial Advice To Youths About The Dangers Of Social Media/ Internet Marriages
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has warned youths against engaging in social media and internet marriages.
The Director General of the Agency, Mrs Julie Orkah-Donli, gave the warning on Monday, during a sensitisation visit to the Iruekpen Mixed Secondary School in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The DG, according to News Agency of Nigeria said that the warning became imperative, as it had been discovered that human traffickers also use such marriage arrangements to introduce young women into prostitution.
Mrs Orkah-Donli also advised students against early marriage, especially when they are below 18 years; and to make choices of their spouses themselves.
According to the director general, promises of enrolling youths in football academies, modeling agencies and sponsored pilgrimages were current ways being adopted by human traffickers in enticing their victims, which are mostly females.
Mrs Orkah-Donli further disclosed that any person could be trafficked, whether young or old. Human trafficking, according to the DG, is a scourge that will require involvement of all stakeholders to eradicate. She added that human trafficking could cause depression, unwanted pregnancy and even death of the victims.
She listed causes of human trafficking as poverty, illiteracy and greed, among others. Speaking further, the director-general said that sometimes, trafficked victims, aside being used for prostitution, also have their organs harvested.
She therefore warned students to protect themselves and say no to offers from strangers who promise them greener pastures abroad.
Orkah-Donli advised them to travel on their own through sponsorship by their parents and also for genuine reasons.