Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Edo State Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), Nduka Nwanwene, has tasked victims of human trafficking to press civil charges against traffickers who has been convicted by the court to claim damages.
He said this in Benin at a stakeholders meeting organised by Justice Development, Peace and Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), on the activation of Victims Trust Fund committee in the state to handle victim of human trafficking.
“There is a provision in the law that says victims can take their traffickers to court on civil claim to claim damages if they are exploited.
“NAPTIP is concerned with the crime aspect of trafficking. When a trafficker is convicted, it doesn’t prevent the victim from taken the trafficker to court and make civil claim and damages”.
Nwanwene said such development would assist in the fight against human trafficking as the traffickers have been pushed roundly and suffered punishment with the conviction and would also been made to pay some funds having exploited the victim.
“This will send a clear message that if a trafficker has been convicted, the victim can still go to court to claim damages for the trafficking and when convicted, the victim can claim damages of N5 and N10 million. it would go a long way in rehabilitating the victim”.
On his part, JDPCI’s Executive Director, Uromi , Rev. Fr. Fidelis Arhedo, charged Edo State government to activate the Victim Trust Fund Committee to help take care of victims of human trafficking in the state.