By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
In continuation of the crusade against human trafficking and illegal migration, a non-governmental organisation, Re-educating Africans on the Risk and Dangers in Unplanned Journey Abroad (RARDUJA), Sunday took the sensitisation message on the dangers inherent in unplanned journey abroad to churches.
Addressing worshippers on the theme: “Say No to Unplanned Journey Abroad” at the Glorious Power of God Assembly in Benin City, the coordinator of RARDUJA, Mr. Eddy Duru, said the dangers associated with embarking on unplanned journey to European countries are enormous and as such, should not be encouraged in the Church of Christ.
Duru, who also visited the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Turning Point Parish, Idunmowina, also in the state capital, said the church has the responsibility to enlighten their congregation on the dangers of risking their lives in the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert all in the name of seeking for greener pastures abroad.
He said: “Our quest is to continue to re-educate our people, Nigerians on the risks and all the hazards that are associated with this travelling through the sea and the desert especially unplanned even through the air. Many who are there right now are frustrated.”
Duru said there are a lot to achieve in Nigeria but what Nigerians needed is the ability to look inward and find something meaningful to do, adding that while some Nigerians were leaving the country for the fear of Boko Haram in the recent past, other foreigners were trooping into the country for businesses just because they were able to see what others could not see in the country.
He said RARDUJA is not against anybody travelling abroad but should anyone want to travel, he should follow due process to avoid the risk of losing one’s life in a bid to travel out of the country.
Also speaking, the zonal commander, NAPTIP, Benin zone, Mr. Nduka Nwenwene, said in Edo State, Ikpoba Okha Local Governement area has the highest number of those who have embarked on such a dangerous trip in the state.
Nwenwene said though the government has failed on its part to provide jobs for her citizens, it is still not enough reason for people to embark on such journey.
He called on Nigerians to report any cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP, adding, that “the battle can only be worn collectively”.
