The Kogi state government has set the machinery in motion to clamp down on all the cartels behind the use of under-age girls for prostitution and sex slavery in Lokoja, the state capital.
Blueprint gathered that some girls were trafficked from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Bauchi and neighbouring countries, including Chad and Niger Republic to Kasuwan-Ruwa, a suburb of Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, for prostitution.
It was reliably gathered that, in Kasuwan-Ruwa, Lokoja during the day, traders converge to sell yam, but at night the market commences prostitution.
Kogi state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Fatima Kabir Buba, who reacted to the ugly incident in Lokoja, Tuesday, said all perpetuators of the crime would be brought to book.
She described the crime as heinous, adding that the government was not aware that such cartel was operating in the state, against the provisions of the Child Right Act.
While describing the act as appalling, the commissioner assured that Governor Yahaya Bello would not condole any act of human trafficking or sexual exploitation in the state.
“The current government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello has left no stone unturned to protect the girl child and women in the state.
“We will not allow disgruntled elements to come here and sabotage the effort of His Excellency.
“This is total wickedness. How will someone who has conscience carry out such a heinous crime like this? With this illicit business, these girls will be denied the right to education; they would be exposed to all manners of dangers and diseases.
“I am assuring the general public that this matter will not be swept under the carpet and will be investigated to a logical conclusion.
“Whoever that is behind this, no matter how highly placed in the society, must face the full wrath of the law. Kogi state is not a safe haven for criminals, teenage prostitution or sex slavery of any kind,” she said.
