The Eleso of Iwaa in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, Obafemi Abel Alade, has condemned the growing menace of illegal human organ harvesting in Nigeria, describing the practice as a serious assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life.
The traditional ruler, who spoke with journalists in Lokoja, urged relevant authorities to adopt stronger measures to combat the activities of criminal syndicates involved in organ harvesting and protect vulnerable members of society.
Oba Alade, a former private secretary to the state’s former deputy governor, Chief Edward David Onoja, said the disturbing reports surrounding illegal organ harvesting required urgent and coordinated action by the government, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
He said traditional institutions had joined professionals across various sectors in raising awareness about the dangers of the practice, which, according to him, could damage the image of the country and create fear among citizens.
The monarch urged medical practitioners to uphold the ethics of their profession and refrain from any activity capable of undermining the value and sanctity of human life.
He expressed concern over alleged tactics used by criminal networks to lure vulnerable people, particularly children, including promises of free transportation, fake relationships, employment opportunities and other deceptive offers.
According to him, the seriousness of the crime demands stronger punishment for perpetrators, stressing that existing sanctions should be reviewed to reflect the gravity of the offence and the suffering inflicted on victims and their families.
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 further 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.