As the world marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a 19-year-old Delta State indigene, Anabel, has been safely reunited with her family after she was allegedly trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire.
According to reports, Anabel was abandoned on the streets of Abidjan after refusing to engage in prostitution, which she was allegedly forced into upon arriving in the country. Her ordeal came to light after a Good Samaritan shared her story on social media.
Touched by the viral video, the Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Hon. Stella Okotete, immediately initiated Anabel’s repatriation and covered all expenses to ensure her safe return to Nigeria.
In a post on her official Facebook page, Hon. Okotete thanked God for Anabel’s safe return and urged parents, especially mothers, to pay closer attention to the safety and welfare of their children. She also called for greater community vigilance to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
Following Anabel’s return, Hon. Okotete accompanied her to the residence of the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Chief Jaro Egbo. The council chairman pledged to sponsor Anabel’s education, enabling her to return to school and continue her studies.
