By Ebi Kesiena
The Continental Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO Africa), Prof. Jude Osakwe, has confirmed the successful rescue and repatriation of a 12-year-old Nigerian girl who was trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire under false pretenses.
Osakwe disclosed that the operation was made possible through coordinated efforts between NIDO Africa, the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
According to him, the young girl’s parents were misled into believing that their daughter was being taken to Canada to work in a restaurant. Instead, she was transported to Côte d’Ivoire, where she was subjected to exploitation.
Osakwe made this known in a telephone interview on Wednesday, while briefing journalists on the collaborative steps that led to the girl’s safe return to Nigeria.
The NIDO Africa Chairman revealed that he was personally involved in the rescue process and expressed profound gratitude to all individuals and institutions whose swift intervention ensured the success of the mission.
He particularly commended Alhaja Fatimo Balabola, Women Leader of NIDO Côte d’Ivoire, describing her role in the rescue as critical and unwavering. He also acknowledged Mr. Femi Ajayi for providing care and shelter for the child while arrangements were being finalised for her repatriation.
Osakwe further praised the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire for offering the diplomatic backing necessary to facilitate the child’s return. He equally lauded the Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her consistent support whenever called upon to intervene in cases involving Nigerians abroad.
Beyond the immediate rescue, Osakwe used the occasion to call on the Nigerian National Assembly to enact specific legislation targeting adults, including parents and guardians, who knowingly or negligently hand over underage children to strangers under the guise of seeking better opportunities overseas.
“We must hold adults accountable, children are being handed over under the pretext of greener pastures. The law must protect them.” He said.
He stressed that stronger legal safeguards are necessary to curb the growing menace of child trafficking and to ensure that vulnerable minors are shielded from exploitation both within and outside Nigeria.
