The Edo State Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nduka Nwawene has said over 20,000 trafficked Nigerians young girls and boys, particularly girls are currently stranded in Mali.

Nwawenne who spoke in Benin City lamented that Mali used to be a destination for so many trafficked victims from the Benin Zone, adding that Malians are now being trafficked to the Edo State capital.

At the event which was organized by NAPTIP Edo Command in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, and other stakeholders, Nwawene said in the midst of the escalating trafficking issues, global national responses, particularly in developing States, appeared to be deteriorating. 

Nwawenne urged stakeholders to collaborate more in awareness raising and striving to promote community ownership of anti-human trafficking drives.