The Eleso of Iwaa in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, Obafemi Abel Alade, has denounced the growing menace of illegal human organ harvesting in Nigeria, describing it as a serious assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life. He made this statement while speaking with journalists in Lokoja. As a former private secretary to the state’s former deputy governor, Chief Edward David Onoja, Oba Alade emphasized the need for urgent action.
Oba Alade urged relevant authorities to adopt stronger measures to combat the activities of criminal syndicates involved in organ harvesting and protect vulnerable members of society. He noted that traditional institutions, professionals, and other stakeholders must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of the practice. According to him, this will help prevent damage to the country's image and fear among citizens.
The monarch expressed concern over alleged tactics used by criminal networks to lure vulnerable people, particularly children, with promises of free transportation, fake relationships, employment opportunities, and other deceptive offers. He stressed that the seriousness of the crime demands stronger punishment for perpetrators and that existing sanctions should be reviewed to reflect the gravity of the offence.
Oba Alade called on residents of Iwaa community and Nigerians in general to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited offers of assistance, transportation, employment, or relationships that appear suspicious or too good to be true. He encouraged communities to revive traditional values of communal responsibility and collective vigilance by promptly reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The traditional ruler charged parents and guardians to maintain open communication with their children, particularly regarding their movements, relationships, and transactions, to reduce their vulnerability to criminal networks. He appealed to government at all levels and security agencies to intensify investigations aimed at identifying and dismantling syndicates involved in illegal organ harvesting.
Oba Alade called for thorough investigations into allegations involving any medical personnel who may have compromised professional standards or facilitated the activities of criminal networks. He urged religious organisations and community leaders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of illegal organ harvesting and consistently emphasise the sacredness and inviolability of human life.
Key stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, and traditional institutions, are yet to comment on the monarch's call for tougher sanctions. However, Oba Alade's statement has sparked renewed discussions on the need for a coordinated approach to combat the menace of organ harvesting in Nigeria. The issue remains a pressing concern, with many Nigerians advocating for stronger measures to protect vulnerable members of society.
Key points
- The Eleso of Iwaa, Obafemi Abel Alade, urges stronger measures to combat organ harvesting.
- Oba Alade calls for tougher sanctions against perpetrators of organ harvesting.
- The monarch emphasizes the need for public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of organ harvesting.
