The Economic Implications of Child Trafficking and Young Persons in Edo State, Nigeria: Matters Arising

Abstract

This study focuses on Trafficking of Children and Young Persons and its economic implications for Edo state and Nigeria in general. Specifically the study seeks to examine reasons for trafficking of children and the young Nigerians with particular reference to Edo State. The study also seeks to find out the causes of trafficking of children and young Nigerians. It explains the economic implication of trafficking of children and young Nigerians as well as identifies possible solutions to the menace of trafficking of children in Nigeria. Descriptive survey was used in the study and the questionnaire method was used to elicit responses from respondents on certain outlined questions. Results from the study show that Millions of young Nigerian women, girls, boys, youth and children are at risk of human trafficking due to the following contributing factors: illiteracy, ignorance, greed, lack of opportunity, etc. Children and the young people are getting trapped by the perpetrators, and becoming victims of human trafficking. Human traffickers or perpetrators often see young people, especially women, girls and children as commodities. The study recommends that Government should hold complicit officials as well as individuals associated with the crime accountable for trafficking offenses. Also, government should strengthen efforts to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable groups and facilitate training for local, state, and federal judges on human trafficking.