Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Women Aid Collective (WACOL), has expressed deep relief and gratitude over the safe return of over 70 Nigerian girls and teenagers trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire, whose rescue was facilitated by the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.
In a statement signed by Mr Uchenna Igboeme, Communications Manager, WACOL, their rescue followed the whistle-blowing efforts of Nigerian activist, Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
“We commend the bravery and quick intervention of all stakeholders involved, especially Mr. Onyema for his humanitarian leadership, and VeryDarkMan for courageously raising the alarm that drew national and international attention to this grave injustice.
“Their actions have not only saved lives but also reignited urgent discourse around the menace of human trafficking.
“WACOL, as a foremost organization working to protect and promote the rights of women and children in Nigeria and across West Africa, is deeply concerned by the recurrent cases of trafficking of Nigerian girls for forced labour, sexual exploitation, and modern-day slavery,” the statement said.
According to WACOL, the situation underscored systemic failures including porous borders, weak enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, poverty, lack of opportunities, and limited awareness among vulnerable populations.
“We call on the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other relevant authorities to intensify border surveillance, enforce existing trafficking laws, and ensure that traffickers are brought to justice without delay.
“It is not enough to rescue victims, there must be a coordinated rehabilitation, reintegration, and empowerment strategy that ensures these young girls are never re-victimized.”
WACOL also urges the federal and state governments to invest in grassroots sensitization, poverty alleviation, skills acquisition for girls and women, and effective cross-border collaboration to dismantle trafficking syndicates that prey on our vulnerable populations.
“We reaffirm our commitment to continue working with all stakeholders, government, civil society, security agencies, media, and international partners—to end human trafficking and provide holistic support to survivors.
“Let this rescue mission be a wake-up call for collective action,” WACOL stated.
