…says victim sold for $4,000
By Udesinanna Stephen, Grace Omachoko
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in conjunction with the Ekiti State Liaison Office in Ilupeju-Ekiti has rescued a mother of 2 from slavery in Bagdad, Iraq.
The Head of NAPTIP Ekiti Liason Office, Oladimeji Samson who spoke on behalf of the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, noted that the Lady whose name was given in confidence was engaged by a Nigeria agent (in confidence) to work in Bagdad Iraq, unknown to the said victim that she was sold for $4,000 to the alleged slave master..
According to him the victim’s family contacted NAPTI for the situation, however, there are no contacts to reach out to the Lady, “We couldn’t reach the Lady but through the help of a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Hope Heaven Foundation, Lagos, they made this rescue mission a success; however, investigation is ongoing and we will track all suspects”
He also said that the DG of NAPTI is passionate about eradicating the menace of human trafficking and modern slavery; however there is a need for more resources to champion the cause, he added.
Speaking with the Victim, she revealed that she is a mother of two who resides in Ekiti; adding that she was interested in working abroad but her agents sold her into slavery.
“I was beaten and maltreated, when I arrived I saw other girls who were looking unkept we are over 80 using a room, 1 toilet and a small kitchen, they told me that they will take care of me but I was feeding myself when I got there, although sometimes they give us rice and 4 fresh tomatoes on top of it for large number of persons. I work 7 hours a day cleaning and washing and the agents get the better part of the money.” She said.
According to her she fell sick and could not proceed with the working line leading her to seek help, she added that more Ladies are traveling to Bagdad not knowing the conditions.
