Daud Olatunji
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has raised the alarm over an alleged increase in cases of parents and guardians facilitating the sexual exploitation of children for monetary gains, warning that perpetrators will face prosecution.
The agency’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, said NAPTIP had received disturbing reports of parents and guardians allegedly handing over their children and wards to men for sexual gratification in exchange for money and other benefits.
Bello described the practice as an extreme form of cruelty and betrayal of parental responsibility, warning that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NAPTIP boss spoke in Abuja while reacting to the arrest of a middle-aged woman by the agency’s operatives over allegations that she gave out her teenage daughter for sexual exploitation in exchange for money.
The agency did not disclose the identity of the suspect, while details of the alleged incident were not provided in the statement.
Bello said the reported involvement of parents and guardians in the sexual abuse of children was particularly disturbing because they were expected to protect their wards from harm.
She said, “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.
“From the reports being logged both at the headquarters and in our commands across the country, it appears that this unhealthy development is on the increase.”
According to her, the exploitation of children by those entrusted with their care violates their fundamental rights and exposes them to serious physical, psychological and emotional harm.
She added that the consequences could affect victims’ health, education, personal development and future prospects.
Bello said, “I cannot imagine that a mother would agree to give out her daughter to men for sexual pleasure in return for money or other benefits. This is among the highest forms of wickedness, and it contravenes all legal frameworks, laws and conventions, both national and global.”
The director-general warned that NAPTIP would not tolerate any attempt by parents or guardians to profit from the sexual exploitation of children.
She said the agency had strengthened its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and was working with other law enforcement agencies and relevant partners to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of suspected offenders.
Bello added that the agency had earlier directed its commands nationwide to intensify surveillance, improve rapid response to reported cases and ensure effective prosecution of child abuse and sexual assault cases.
She said the directive was part of efforts to address the disturbing reports of sexual violence against minors and ensure that suspected perpetrators were brought before the courts.
“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,” she said.
Parents warned over domestic workers
The NAPTIP boss also cautioned parents against exposing their children to potential sexual predators through inadequate screening of domestic workers, service providers and other people who regularly interact with them.
She specifically urged parents to exercise caution when employing drivers, gardeners, gatekeepers and individuals responsible for taking their children to and from school.
According to her, parents must carry out proper background checks and ensure that people entrusted with their children’s care do not pose a threat to their safety.
Bello warned that sexual abuse could be perpetrated by individuals familiar to the children, stressing that parents should not assume that people within their immediate environment were automatically safe.
She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and take practical steps to protect their children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
The agency reiterated its commitment to investigating reported cases and prosecuting suspects found culpable..
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