Plateau Rescues Trafficked Woman From Libya

The Plateau State Government, working with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and non-governmental organisation Ewe Rina Africa, has successfully rescued and repatriated a 23-year-old woman who was trafficked to Libya for prostitution. The human trafficking rescue highlights the importance of collaboration in protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation.

The victim, Jummai Favour Garba, an Irigwe woman from Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, was reportedly lured by a human trafficking syndicate with promises of a sporting scholarship and a better future abroad. Instead, she was forced into sex slavery after arriving in Libya.

Her ordeal became public in June after a Facebook post appealed for help. According to the post, Favour, an athlete, had travelled from Abuja believing she would pursue sports opportunities overseas. However, she was forced to work as a housemaid for one year and three months to repay the cost of her journey before facing further hardship.

“Dear friends, brothers, and sisters, Favour Jummai Garba, a 23-year-old girl, a proud daughter of Irigwe from Rekwienku village, Plateau State, left Abuja with the hope of pursuing a better future in sports after being promised opportunities abroad.

“Sadly, the promises turned out to be false, and she found herself stranded in Libya.”

Following the appeal, the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission partnered with NAPTIP and Ewe Rina Africa to secure her safe return. The successful human trafficking rescue brought Favour back to Nigeria and reunited her with her loved ones.

Announcing her return on Facebook, the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM) said, “Her return is a powerful reminder that hope can be restored and that collective action can make a meaningful difference. Welcome home, Jummai.”

What more can government and communities do to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable young people?