Students of tertiary institutions have been urged to remain focused on their education and avoid falling victim to the deceptive promises of human traffickers, sexual predators and other abusers.
The Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Gender and Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC), Barr. Olivia Dazyam, gave the charge during an awareness campaign at the College of Education, Gindiri.
Barr. Dazyam said the sensitisation campaign became necessary in view of the growing involvement of students in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), human trafficking, drug abuse and other social vices that threaten their health, safety and academic future.
She warned that both male and female students are increasingly exposed to exploitation through false promises of employment, scholarships, travel opportunities and financial support, stressing that many unsuspecting young people have become victims of traffickers and exploiters.
According to her, several students have been lured into human trafficking, early pregnancy and online sexual exploitation, with devastating consequences for their education and future aspirations.
Barr. Dazyam also drew attention to emerging criminal activities such as illegal organ harvesting, the sale of ovaries and the exploitation of vulnerable women through unethical surrogacy arrangements, urging students to remain vigilant and report suspicious approaches to the appropriate authorities.
She encouraged the students to prioritise their education, make informed decisions and seek guidance whenever faced with offers that appear too good to be true, noting that safeguarding their future begins with making responsible choices today.
