Cleric charges FG to end Trans Sahara slave trade

THE Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ihiala, Anambra State, Rt Reverend Israel Okoye has condemned the resurgence of slave trade in the Maghreb region of North Africa, calling on the Nigerian government to take proactive steps to stem the tide as many Nigerians had become victims. •Nigerians sold as slaves in Libya Bishop Okoye, who spoke during an ordination ceremony of 11 priests at Ihiala, decried the auctioning of Nigerian migrants and kidnapping of some for ransom in Libya, noting that what was happening in that region had brought so much shame to the country. While appreciating the efforts being made to bring back trapped Nigerians in that region, Okoye requested the Nigerian Charge D’Affaire to Libya to address the situation and ensure that Nigerians were treated with respect and honour. He, however, frowned at the increasing rate of   illegal migration by youths, saying that the attitude must stop no matter the appeal and promises of money on the streets of Europe as Nigeria remained best for them. Bishop Okoye said: ‘’It is a shame on us as a country and as a people especially our leaders who have failed to provide leadership and direction that would make its citizens proud of their country. “And that tells us especially our youths running away from the country that it is needless. “ We must make this country promising for the young ones. Youths must not be frustrated.”