The Plateau State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has expressed concerns over the recent news of illegal organ harvesting in the state and called on the Police and relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegation.
The chairperson of FIDA in the state, Obioma Ngozi Achilefu, disclosed this in Jos, the state capital.
She said: “We are deeply worried about this growing trend and wish to state that if it is left unchecked, it will expose our people to serious health complications. In view of this, members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Plateau State Branch wish to call on lawmakers, healthcare professionals, health ministries, and departments to take immediate action to denounce this unfortunate development in our society.
She assured that Plateau State FIDA will follow up on the case “until justice is served and secured for the victims.”
According to her: “The International Federation of Women Lawyers is a globally recognised organisation committed to promoting, protecting, and preserving the rights of women and children. In Plateau State, we have been tirelessly working to uphold justice, equality, and the rule of law. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families who have suffered from this horrific crime. It is our duty to ensure that justice is served and that such acts are eradicated from our society.”
Calling on all stakeholders to unite and work together to achieve justice for the vulnerable members of our society, she said: “We also wish to call for the full implementation of relevant laws protecting the rights of all people in the state, particularly women and children. Doing so will bring perpetrators of this dastard act to fully account for their nefarious acts.”
While noting that laws in the state, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2022 and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Law 2015, are very relevant, she implored all healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice.
“Medical associations and regulatory bodies must strengthen their oversight and ensure that only licenced and qualified medical practitioners are authorised to perform organ transplantation procedures,” she stated.
