The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed the rescue of five young girls from Benue State who were trafficked to Cote D’Ivoire for prostitution.
Gloria Bai, NAPTIP Zonal Commander for the Makurdi office, announced on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, that the girls are now safe and under the protection of the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire.
“The attention of the agency was called to a group of girls rescued in Cote D’Ivoire. We have seen the girls and the video. They are safe at the Nigerian Embassy,” Bai stated. She added that plans are underway to repatriate the girls back to Nigeria. “Arrangements are being made for them to be brought back safely and handed over to us.”
An investigation has been launched, and the alleged trafficker, identified by the girls, has been arrested. “She was picked up yesterday and is currently with the Nigerian Police Force in Kwande. We are working with the police to understand her involvement,” Bai said.
Expressing her shock over the incident, Bai lamented the viral spread of a video showing the girls, which exposed their identities. “This is like another rude awakening. It’s unfortunate that the video went viral, exposing the identities of the girls. This incident underscores the harsh reality that our girls are being trafficked daily to other African countries for exploitation,” she remarked.
