The Ogun State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abosede Jimoh, has raised alarm over the disturbing level of human trafficking cases in the state, revealing that some victims were forced into extreme sexual exploitation, including being made to sleep with animals and up to 20 men daily.
Jimoh disclosed this during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter, in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to educate traders and residents on the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration.
The programme, held at Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta on Wednesday, aimed at raising awareness among market women, youths, and community members on the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the risks associated with illegal migration.
Jimoh disclosed that since the agency established its presence in Ogun State about two and a half years ago, it has recorded no fewer than 100 victims and arrested at least 70 suspects linked to human trafficking activities.
According to her, several of the rescued victims were underage children who were subjected to multiple sexual abuses and forced labour.
She also noted that many housewives have fallen victim to illegal migration and human trafficking syndicates, particularly to destinations such as Cairo and Libya.
“Victims are often moved from one location to another. It could be from villages to rural areas, from rural communities to urban centres and, in many cases, taken outside the country, all for the purpose of sexual exploitation,” Jimoh said.
She lamented that many young girls who should ordinarily be in school are instead subjected to horrific abuse.
“Imagine a girl who is supposed to be in school and preparing to become a future leader, but she is forced to sleep with 20 men on a daily basis. This is not fiction; these are real cases we handle regularly,” she added.
Jimoh further disclosed that the agency currently has nine human trafficking cases before the court. According to her, three cases have already been successfully prosecuted, resulting in convictions, while others are still under investigation.
Speaking at the event, the Acting State Coordinator of NAWOJ in Ogun State, Oluwatoyin Adegoke, said the sensitisation programme was designed to protect vulnerable members of society, particularly women and children, from falling victim to traffickers.
Adegoke noted that human trafficking and irregular migration remain serious threats to families and communities, stressing that many victims are often deceived with promises of better opportunities abroad.
“Human trafficking and irregular migration are not distant or abstract issues. They are real and present dangers affecting families in our markets, neighbourhoods, and communities. Many victims are lured with false promises of employment, education, or a better life abroad, only to end up in situations of forced labour, sexual exploitation, abuse, or even death,” she said.
She emphasised that as women journalists, NAWOJ members are committed not only to reporting events but also to advocacy journalism that promotes social change and public enlightenment.
According to her, “Our role goes beyond reporting events; we are committed to advocacy journalism that enlightens, empowers, and drives positive social change. Through this outreach at Lafenwa Market, we aim to speak directly to traders, parents, and young people about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the severe consequences of irregular migration.”
Adegoke commended the leadership of the Lafenwa Market for supporting the sensitisation campaign, revealing that market authorities had earlier mobilised traders by using bells to draw attention to the programme.
She also expressed appreciation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its continued efforts in combating human trafficking and protecting victims across the country.
She further acknowledged the support of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) through the STEAP Project for providing technical support towards strengthening migration awareness and governance.
The NAWOJ Acting State Coordinator also appreciated the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, for providing an enabling environment for community-based advocacy initiatives.
She equally commended the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for his consistent support for NAWOJ programmes and initiatives.
Adegoke urged participants to share the knowledge gained from the programme with others in their communities, noting that awareness remains one of the strongest tools in combating human trafficking.
“Together, through sustained advocacy, responsible leadership, and community vigilance, we can decisively say no to human trafficking and irregular migration and build a safer future for our people,” she added.
Also speaking, POWA, through its State Chairperson, Mrs. Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, pledged the association’s readiness to partner with NAWOJ in the campaign against human trafficking.
She reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting opportunities for women and youths through empowerment and skills training.
Lanre-Ogunlowo urged market women and members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or unusual movements to the appropriate authorities.
