By Nicholas Ojo
The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says at least 5 alleged victims of trafficking and illegal migration have been intercepted.
It was learnt that the victims–four girls between the ages of 18, 17 and 16 and one male of 31–were intercepted at Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The command Comptroller, Rabi Bashar Nuhu, while briefing journalists said that “four girls between the ages of 18, 17 and 16 and one male of age 31 who claimed to be the driver, could not give cogent reasons as to where they were going to and his relationship with the girls in his car.
“Abdul Rahman Abdullahi who claimed to have picked the ladies from Ibadan to Yauri and to Sokoto, said that he is not related to them.
“One of the victims, Iyabo Yusef, said that her parents are aware of her going to Liberia, saying if she could not get admission here in Nigeria she will try it in Liberia adding that, the person she lives with in Sokoto is her relation and is the one facilitating her going to Liberia.
“Fumilayo Olutosin and Ebele Lydia from Delta State, could not give reasons for wanting to go to Liberia. Both of them claimed not to have any relationship with the driver who only speaks Yoruba because he can’t speak English. A Yoruba journalist did the interpretation,” he said.
Rabi however warned agents of human trafficking to desist as her operatives are always on the ground to nip them in the bud.
While handing over the victims to the state commander of NAPTIP, Alhaji Misbahu Iyya Kaura, she urged him to thoroughly investigate the person who claimed to be a driver and responsible for their travel.
Meanwhile, the state commander, Misbahu who responded on behalf of NAPTIP, pledged to get to the root of the matter and ensure justice is done, noting that the presence of NAPTIP in Kebbi will make traffickers flee as the environment is now too hot for them.
He thanked the comptroller for the synergy.