NAPTIP & IOM's Blue Bus campaign arrives in Edo State

Ayoola Adetayo 14:59 - 08 October 2021

Blue Bus In Edo State

Blue Bus takes its drive against human trafficking to Edo State.

The Blue Bus Campaign by NAPTIP and IOM, funded by Switzerland, aims to sensitize Nigerians on the ever-present dangers of human trafficking, particularly those in towns and communities most prone to trafficking activities; areas endemic to the challenge. The Blue Bus’ journey up to this point has been well-documented in previous articles here and here.

One of the cities reached is Benin, which over the years, has become one of the most notorious hotbeds for traffickers and other criminals involved in questionable migration practices.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Blue Bus arrived in Benin City to sensitize and further raise awareness to the plights of victims of human trafficking, while pointing out the dangers of illegal migration to those who may be considering going down that path.

The Bus stopped at Agbor Park, where motorists, residents, passers-by, buyers, traders, youths and parents in that locality were all informed of the potential pitfalls of off-the-record travels and other methods used by traffickers for illegal migration purposes.

The Ring Road area of the City also saw some awareness raising activities from NAPTIP officials and workers of the Blue Bus campaign.

In an Instagram post documenting the activities of the Blue Bus in Edo state, IOM says: “During the campaign, members of the public were enjoined to always 'shine their eyes' not to be deceived by the antics of traffickers.”

Below you can see more photos from when the Blue Bus stopped at Benin City.

The Blue Bus will continue to drive around Nigerian states to educate and arm people, particularly those at risk, with more information that can save them from the life-altering menace of human trafficking.