Plateau State Government Raises Alarm Over Growing Human Trafficking
The Plateau State government is increasingly alarmed by the rising incidence of human trafficking, as highlighted by the recent rescue and return of three young women who were allegedly trafficked to Mali and forced into prostitution. This development underscores a disturbing trend affecting vulnerable populations in the region.
Victims Surrendered for Rehabilitation
On Sunday, the World Anti-Trafficking Organization (WATO) handed over the victims to officials at the Plateau State Liaison Office in Lagos. They are now set to receive rehabilitation and reintegration support from the state’s Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Profiles of the Victims and Their Ordeals
The survivors include Victoria, 23, from Delta State, and sisters Joy and Janet, aged 22 and 23, from Plateau State. They recounted being lured with false promises of legitimate employment, only to face sexual exploitation in Mali.
State Officials Express Concern
During the handover ceremony, Caleb Muftwang, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Issues, along with Olivia Dasam, the Executive Director of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission, voiced their growing concern regarding the human trafficking crisis. They noted that many young Nigerians, in search of better opportunities, are falling prey to traffickers who pose as recruiters or sponsors.
Economic Hardship Fuels Vulnerability
Dasam highlighted how widespread economic challenges have rendered many families susceptible to exploitation. Traffickers exploit this vulnerability by enticing victims with promises of work, education, and a better life abroad. She cautioned that many individuals end up in forced labor, sexual exploitation, and various forms of abuse.
Call to Communities and Parents
Dasam emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing trafficking. “Parents must not relinquish their responsibilities,” she asserted. She warned that when children seek help and turn to strangers, they become easy targets for traffickers who then transport them outside the state or even internationally.
Efforts Towards Victim Assistance and Prevention
As part of their ongoing initiatives, the commission plans to offer counseling, psychosocial support, and empowerment programs to the rescued victims, aiding their reintegration into society. Furthermore, the state government is committed to raising awareness and collaborating with security agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to thwart future trafficking attempts. Prosper Michael, founder of GAHTO, remarked on the importance of cooperative efforts in rescuing trafficking victims and dismantling these criminal networks.
Personal Accounts of Resilience
Victoria, one of the rescued individuals, recounted her harrowing experience, stating she accepted a job offer abroad, unaware it involved prostitution. Another survivor, Joy, shared how she was deceived into believing she would work at a restaurant in Mali but soon discovered the grim reality. Both women faced threats and severe restrictions once trafficked. Their stories underscore the urgent need for awareness and caution among young Nigerians considering opportunities abroad.
Advice for Young Nigerians
Janet, another victim, whose dreams turned into a nightmare upon arrival in Mali, urged her peers to verify job offers before making such dangerous journeys. “Most of the jobs they promise are not genuine. Young people should do their research before traveling anywhere,” she warned, reflecting a message of vigilance amidst the growing crisis of human trafficking.
