No cases of organ harvesting reported in any hospital, clinic in Akwa Ibom – NAPTIP
No cases of organ harvesting reported in any hospital, clinic in Akwa Ibom – NAPTIP
Itoro Bassey
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has clarified that statements attributed to the agency regarding allegations of organ harvesting by certain hospitals in Akwa Ibom State are misleading and do not accurately reflect the discussions held during the event marking National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the state.
Mr. Emmanuel Awhen, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP’s Uyo Zonal Command, made this clarification during a press briefing at the Command’s office in Uyo on Tuesday.
Represented by Mr. Ben Essang, a senior official of the agency, Awhen explained that the analogies used during the Human Trafficking Awareness Day were based on global trends and were intended solely to raise awareness, without any specific reference to incidents occurring in Akwa Ibom State.
“While NAPTIP promotes public awareness regarding the issue of organ harvesting, it is important to to clarify that there have been no reported incidents in any hospital or clinic within Akwa Ibom State.
“Human trafficking remains a pervasive global issue, and it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and cautious in their interactions, particularly concerning the welfare of both children and adults”, he stated.
The agency urged the public, government bodies, and organisations to disregard recent reports on the issue, labeling them as inaccurate and unfounded.
It also called for citizens’ cooperation in the ongoing battle against human trafficking.
Joining Mr. Essang at the briefing were Mrs. Eno Ime Akpan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Akwa Ibom State; Mrs. Eme Ukpabio, Head of the Public Enlightenment Unit and PRO of NAPTIP; and Amb. Peace Edem from the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse, and Labour (NACTAL), along with other agency officials.
