Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised the alarm over reported cases of parents and guardians allegedly facilitating the sexual exploitation of their children for financial gain, warning that offenders will face prosecution.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, issued the warning in Abuja on Friday while reacting to the arrest of a middle-aged woman accused of offering her teenage daughter to men for sexual gratification in exchange for money.
The agency withheld the identity of the suspect, who was arrested by its operatives in the Federal Capital Territory.
Bello described the alleged act as an extreme form of cruelty against a child, adding that the agency would intensify surveillance, investigation and prosecution of those involved in child sexual abuse.
“I am personally disturbed as a mother and as the Director-General of NAPTIP, by the reported cases of some parents aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of their children for monetary benefits,” she said.
She added that reports received at the agency’s headquarters and commands nationwide suggested that the practice was on the rise.
The Director-General said the exploitation of children by parents or guardians betrayed the trust placed in them and exposed victims to serious physical and psychological harm, with potentially lasting consequences for their future.
She disclosed that NAPTIP had strengthened its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and was collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and partners to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of suspected offenders.
“No excuse is tenable for this devilish act, and in line with our mandates, we shall not spare anyone found culpable in any abuse and sexual assault on children across the country,” Bello said.
The NAPTIP boss recalled that she had, a few months ago, directed the agency’s commands across the country to intensify surveillance, improve rapid-response mechanisms and ensure effective prosecution of child abuse and sexual assault cases.
She also urged parents to exercise greater caution in employing domestic workers and other service providers who have access to their children.
Bello advised parents to conduct proper background checks on drivers, gardeners, domestic workers and individuals responsible for taking children to and from school, warning that familiarity with a child did not necessarily guarantee safety.
According to her, parents must take proactive steps to protect their children from suspected sexual predators who might exploit the access granted to them.
NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to protecting minors from sexual exploitation and ensuring that anyone found to have abused children or facilitated such abuse is held accountable under the law.
