The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), under the leadership of Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has denounced human trafficking after facilitating the rescue of 10 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana.
The girls, aged 15 to 18, were reportedly forced into prostitution under the pretense of working as salesgirls.
In a statement on Monday, June 10, 2024, Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s public relations revealed that the rescue involved collaboration between NiDCOM and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Ghana. “We must declare a war against human traffickers,” Dabiri-Erewa asserted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to eradicate the menace.
The operation freed eight girls from Imo State and two from Plateau State. The suspect involved in their trafficking has been apprehended and is in custody. “We cannot allow our young girls to fall prey to such exploitation,” said Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of NIDO in Ghana, who was commended for his team’s swift action.
During her visit to Ghana, Dabiri-Erewa met the rescued victims and acknowledged the efforts of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Imo State Government, the Eze Igbo of Ghana, and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Amb. Adeoye Ifedayo. “Their cooperation was crucial in the success of this operation,” she noted.
The Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amara Iwuanyanwu, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs of Imo State, Nkechinyere Ugwu, reiterated their support for the rescued girls. Additionally, the Plateau State Government pledged full backing for their rehabilitation.
The girls will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for counseling and rehabilitation. The Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities are set to enhance cooperation to prevent future trafficking incidents.
The viral videos that exposed the girls’ plight have sparked a call for vigilance and parental oversight. “Parents must monitor the whereabouts of their children to protect them from such dangers,” urged Dabiri-Erewa.
