The President of the Nigerian Community in Cote D’Ivoire, Chief Onwuchelu Emeka, on Saturday raised concerns with the Nigerian government about the growing human trafficking activities along the Nigeria-Cote D’Ivoire route.
Speaking on NTA International’s program focused on human trafficking, which was monitored in Kano, Chief Emeka revealed that Nigerian girls are increasingly being trafficked to Cote D’Ivoire for sexual exploitation.
He highlighted that young Nigerian girls, aged between 11 and 18, are being lured by human traffickers under the false promise of securing lucrative jobs abroad.
Upon arrival in Cote D’Ivoire, these traffickers confiscate the girls’ mobile phones, cutting off their access to communication and information. As a result, these girls are isolated and subjected to various forms of mistreatment, with no means of reaching out for help.
Chief Emeka described the situation as dire and called for urgent intervention from the Nigerian government, which he believes has the capability to address this growing menace through diplomatic channels.
He expressed concern that the number of Nigerian girls being trafficked to Cote D’Ivoire continues to rise, with many tragically losing their lives in the process, leaving their families unaware of their fate.
He urged parents to be vigilant and refrain from entrusting their children to individuals or groups with unverifiable identities who promise a better life abroad.
