Ogun NAPTIP repatriates 13-year-old trafficking victim from Burkina Faso, highlighting efforts against child exploitation and trafficking

The Ogun State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully repatriated a 13-year-old girl trafficked to Burkina Faso for sexual exploitation.

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The victim, a tailoring apprentice, was reportedly trafficked last year by her 26-year-old divorced employer, Omotola Adedibu.

She was forced to engage in sexual activities with multiple men daily to repay a debt of 1.3 million CFA francs owed to a woman identified as Madam Sweet.

The Ogun State NAPTIP Commander, Abosede Jimoh, disclosed the development on Thursday during a sensitisation programme on human trafficking at Gateway Secondary School, Ita Iyalode, Abeokuta.

“One of the recent breakthroughs recorded by the agency is the successful repatriation of a 13-year-old victim of trafficking from Burkina Faso back to Abeokuta,” Jimoh said.

Jimoh explained that investigations revealed the minor endured sexual exploitation, including during her menstrual periods, for over six months.

She added that Omotola Adedibu has been arrested and will soon face prosecution.

The NAPTIP commander emphasised that Ogun State remains highly susceptible to human trafficking and urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the agency to combat the crime nationwide.

The sensitisation programme targeted schoolchildren, equipping them with knowledge to recognise, resist, and report trafficking-related activities.

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The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, highlighted the importance of involving school-age children in anti-trafficking initiatives during the launch of the Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Persons Vanguard Club at Kobape Grammar School.