Video: FG receives 231 trafficked Nigerians repatriated from Ghana
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Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government has received 231 boys and girls who were victims of human trafficking in Ghana.
Video link: FG receives 231 trafficked Nigerians repatriated from Ghana
Their return was facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission with critical support from Wema Bank and the Office of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, revealed a statement on Saturday by NIDCOM.
The rescue and return followed months of coordinated diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government through the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, NIDCOM, and Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rescue Life Foundation International/NIDO Ghana.
Most of the trafficked individuals, aged between 15 and 38, were lured into Ghana and exploited for cybercrime activities.
NIDCOM said the returnees hail from various states across Nigeria, including Edo (76), Delta (17), Bayelsa (13), Imo (19), Enugu (12), Ebonyi (8), Cross River (7), Abia (9), Anambra (6), Niger (4), Akwa Ibom (3), Kogi (6), Ondo (1) and Osun (1), among others.
The statement reads, “231 Nigerian boys and girls who were trafficked to Ghana arrived home, with Nidcom facilitated their transportation back home, with support from Wema Bank of Nigeria #wemabank and the office of the First Lady, HE Senator Oluremi Tinubu #STinubu.
“The intervention follows months of engagement initiated by the Federal Government through the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission along with Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, BOT Chairman (Rescue live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana), culminating in an agreement with Ghanaian authorities for their release. Most of the victims were exploited for cybercrime and endured confinement and abuse before their rescue.
“The boys and girls are ranging from 15 to 38 years from Edo ( 76 Indigenes ), Anambra ( 6 indigenes ), Delta ( 17 Indigenes ), Bayelsa ( 13 indegenes ), Imo ( 19 Indigenes ), Enugu ( 12 Indigenes ), Ebonyi ( 8 Indigenes ), Cross River ( 7 Indigenes ), Abia ( 9 Indigenes), Niger ( 4 Indigenes ), Akwa Ibom ( 3 Indigenes) , Kogi ( 6 indegenes ) Ondo ( 1 indegene ), Osun ( 1 indigene) etc.”
However, upon arrival, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) profiled them and despatched them to their respective state governments for rehabilitation, reintegration, and empowerment.
“A big gratitude to the EOCO office in Ghana for effectively handling this case and taking care of the Nigerian citizens while in their custody,” the statement added.
