Plateau State government, in conjunction with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and a non-governmental organization, the Ewe Rina Africa, has successfully rescued and repatriated a young lady who was trafficked to Libya for prostitution.

The 23-year-old victim identified as Jummai Favour Garba, an Irigwe lady from Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, was reportedly trafficked to the North African country by a human trafficking syndicate and was forced into sex slavery.

Her plight came to light in June when a post was shared on Facebook drawing attention to her unfortunate situation.

According to the post, Favour, an athlete, was promised a sporting scholarship and a chance of a better life in Libya only to end up as a sex slave.

“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,” the post said.

“Upon arriving there, she was required to work as a housemaid for 1 year and 3 months just to repay the money spent on her journey. Instead of finding the opportunity she was promised, she faced hardship, uncertainty, and years of struggle far away from home.

“Today, Jummai’s greatest desire is simple: to return home safely and reunite with her family and community.

“We are appealing to kind-hearted individuals, friends of humanity, and sons and daughters of Irigwe to support her financially.

“No contribution is too small. Together, we can help bring our sister back home and give her a chance to rebuild her life.”

Responding to the appeal, the state government through the office of the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission reportedly liaised with NAPTIP and Ewe Rina Africa and successfully rescued and repatriated the victim back to the country.

While announcing the repatriation of Favour on its Facebook page on Friday, the Irigwe Youth Movement, IYM, wrote:

“Her return is a powerful reminder that hope can be restored and that collective action can make a meaningful difference. Welcome home, Jummai.”