Furtive movements in the dark alleys of Dakar, innocent hearts sold as merchandise, the sinister business of human trafficking continues to rage. Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Dakar, Dr Salihu Abubakar, recently revealed disturbing details of a trafficking network involving young girls, mainly minors, from Nigeria.
According to information provided to the NAN news agency in Dakar, these girls, aged between 11 and 24, are transported to Senegal through Benin, via the Malian border, to be sexually exploited in the regions of Tambacounda and Kédougou . A real nightmare for these young women, often forced to abandon their studies, their innocence trampled in the name of a sinister deal.
In an act of courage and determination, 24 of these victims were recently repatriated to Nigeria. Among them, young girls mainly from Edo and Delta states, with a few others from Imo, Abia, and even Plateau. The circumstances of their exploitation, the damage suffered, remain for the moment in the shadows, their state of health and their well-being crucial. However, the safe return of these last two young women this Saturday reveals the effectiveness of concrete international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.
This hopeful outcome highlights the strong and honest partnership between the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar and the Senegalese NGO “Free the Slaves”, which strives to break the chains of modern slavery. A glimmer of hope in the darkness of human exploitation, an example of international solidarity and determination to ensure dignity and freedom triumph.
In conclusion, it is crucial to remain vigilant in the face of these criminal networks, to raise awareness and educate to prevent such tragedies. Every action, no matter how modest, can help break the chains of exploitation and offer a safer and fairer future to those who have been victims. Our common fight against human trafficking must never waver, as long as innocent lives continue to be sold as commodities in the market of shame.