The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed the rescue of five Benue girls trafficked to Cote D’Ivoire for prostitution.
Gloria Bai, the NAPTIP zonal commander in Makurdi, confirmed the incident, stating that the girls are currently safe at the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire.
The agency was alerted on Monday about the rescued girls. “We have seen the girls and the video. They are in Cote d’Ivoire. We spoke to them yesterday, and they are safe at the Nigerian Embassy,” Bai said.
Arrangements are being made to bring the girls back to Nigeria. “We are monitoring the situation to ensure their safe return,” Bai added.
NAPTIP has launched an investigation into the case. The woman mentioned by the girls as responsible for their trafficking has been arrested.
Bai expressed regret over the viral video of the incident, which exposed the girls’ identities. “It’s unfortunate that the video went viral, exposing the girls’ identities on social media. This incident is a stark reminder that our girls are being trafficked daily for exploitation,” she said.
The agency plans to meet the girls, profile them, and learn more about how they ended up in Cote D’Ivoire.
State police spokesperson SP Sewuese Anene confirmed the arrest of the woman who allegedly masterminded the girls’ trip to Cote D’Ivoire. The suspect will be brought to police headquarters for further investigation.
The video, which showed the girls aged between 17 and 21, revealed they were deceived into travelling to Cote D’Ivoire with promises of jobs.
