Five Nigerian girls, aged between 18 and 21, who were trafficked to Cote D'Ivoire for prostitution, are currently awaiting repatriation back to Nigeria. The girls, who are from the Tiv ethnic group, were seen in a viral video lamenting their ordeal. They revealed that they were lured to Cote D'Ivoire by a syndicate led by a woman based in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed the rescue of the girls, who are currently in the custody of the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D'Ivoire. According to the NAPTIP Commander in Makurdi, Mrs. Gloria Bai, arrangements are being made to bring the girls back to Nigeria safely. The woman behind the trafficking syndicate has been arrested and is currently with the Nigerian Police in Kwande. NAPTIP is working with the Police to investigate her involvement. The Commander expressed concern over the viral video, which has exposed the girls' identities, putting them at risk.