CALABAR – The Cross River State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Orok Otu Duke, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, civil society organisations and local communities to combat human trafficking.
Duke made the call in a statement on Thursday to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, describing human trafficking as a grave violation of human dignity and a major threat to national development.
According to him, tackling the menace requires a collective response that addresses not only criminal networks but also the socio-economic conditions that expose people, particularly women and children, to exploitation.
“Human trafficking is one of the most disturbing crimes of our time. It exploits the hopes and vulnerabilities of innocent people for financial gain. We must unite across all sectors to prevent this crime, protect victims and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
The NDDC board member said the crime continued to destroy lives, separate families and deprive communities of productive citizens, adding that all stakeholders had a responsibility to protect vulnerable persons from traffickers.
He identified poverty, unemployment, lack of education and false promises of better opportunities as some of the major factors driving human trafficking, urging governments at all levels to complement law enforcement efforts with programmes that promote youth empowerment, skills acquisition and economic inclusion.
Duke said greater investment in education, sports and vocational training would provide young people with legitimate opportunities and reduce their vulnerability to traffickers who exploit desperation.
He also urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to educate young people on the tactics employed by traffickers, including deceptive job offers and irregular migration schemes.
The former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, security agencies and other partners for their efforts in combating the crime, while calling for deeper collaboration through intelligence sharing, public awareness campaigns and improved support for victims.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Niger Delta Development Commission to programmes that promote human capital development across the Niger Delta, noting that sustainable development could only thrive in an environment where people are protected from exploitation and given opportunities to realise their potential.
“As we observe this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us renew our commitment to protecting the vulnerable, supporting survivors and building communities where every individual can live in freedom, dignity and safety. Together, we can break the chains of human trafficking and secure a better future for our people,” Duke said.
