Enugu: Hope Rises for Survivors of Human Trafficking
…Technical Working Committee for the Establishment of Legal Hub Inaugurated
Research has shown that many Nigerians both male and female, continue to fall prey to human traffickers who exploit, dehumanize, and often leave survivors traumatized and depressed.
In a decisive step to combat this transnational crime, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Enugu State, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, has inaugurated a Technical Working Committee for the Establishment of a Legal Hub in the state. The event took place at his office complex.
Dr. Udeh expressed satisfaction with the caliber of the 14-member committee, describing them as experienced and disciplined. He assured them of maximum support, commending their willingness to serve the public interest by developing a framework that will strengthen prosecution of human trafficking offenses and put survivors at the center of justice.
The committee is chaired by Prince Jonathan Awa Ukpai, who also doubles as the Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Enugu command. He explained that the body is tasked with producing guidelines and standard operating procedures for the Legal Hub, which will revitalize the Trafficking in Persons Act 2015.
Prince Ukpai noted that the Act established the Victims Trafficking Trust Fund, but the fund has remained underutilized.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Barr. Enwelum Ogechukwu who is the National Legal Adviser of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and secretary of the committee, emphasized that their work is to concretize approaches to ensure compensation, rehabilitation, and protection for survivors of trafficking.
It is believed that if the adhoc committee delivers on its mandate, the Legal Hub will provide Enugu State with a strong and actionable document that enhances the fight against human trafficking and ensures that survivors are treated not just as victims of crime but as individuals deserving of justice, healing, and dignity.
