The Plateau State Government has arrested a bar operator and another woman over allegations of trafficking three young women to Ghana for exploitation.
The primary suspect, identified as Mrs. Yakubu, who is reportedly pregnant and runs a bar in the Rantya community of Jos, was presented to the public on Thursday at the headquarters of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission. She appeared alongside the three victims who were recently repatriated from Ghana.
Victims Rescued and Returned to Nigeria
Two of the rescued girls, aged between 18 and 19, are from Adamawa State, while the third is from Plateau State.
Addressing journalists, the Chairperson of the Gender Commission, Olivia Dazyam, explained that the commission received intelligence regarding the trafficking operation and collaborated with security agencies to secure the girls’ safe return.
According to Dazyam, the suspects allegedly facilitated the movement of the girls to Ghana under false pretences. She stated that the victims were ultimately rescued and brought back to Jos through coordinated efforts involving law enforcement authorities.
Allegations of Exploitation
Dazyam alleged that the girls were trafficked for prostitution and that the suspects benefitted financially from their activities abroad.
She also revealed that one of the suspect’s own daughters is reportedly in Ghana under similar circumstances, raising further concerns about the scope of the operation.
“We want residents to understand that traffickers may be living within our communities,” Dazyam said, stressing that awareness and vigilance are crucial in tackling human trafficking.
She disclosed that two women were allegedly involved in recruiting and transporting young girls from different local government areas, including Mangu. One additional victim reportedly escaped and has since returned safely.
Government Vows Tougher Action
Dazyam emphasized that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed the commission to publicly expose confirmed trafficking cases as part of efforts to deter others.
She warned individuals involved in trafficking that authorities would no longer treat such matters quietly and called on women across Plateau State to actively support the fight against exploitation.
The chairperson added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify any additional collaborators.
Conflicting Accounts
In a brief interview, Mrs. Yakubu expressed remorse but denied intentionally sending the girls into prostitution. She claimed she was assisting them in securing employment opportunities similar to what she described as her daughter’s business in Ghana. However, she declined to specify the nature of her daughter’s work.
The rescued victims offered a different account.
Speaking separately, Humata Ilya, Sendy Emmanuel, and Dorathy Yakubu alleged that they were misled about the purpose of the trip. They said they were told they would be engaged in legitimate business activities, including gold trading, only to discover they were being pushed into prostitution.
“She deceived us,” one of the victims stated, explaining that they were unaware of the true nature of the arrangement until they arrived in Ghana.
Case Transferred for Further Investigation
Following their public appearance, both the suspect and the rescued victims were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning and investigation.
Authorities say efforts are continuing to dismantle trafficking networks operating within and beyond Plateau State, while reaffirming their commitment to protecting vulnerable young people from exploitation.
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