The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) yesterday rescued a 23-year-old woman, Mrs. Adeoye Oluwaseyi, from human traffickers at Kongolam border in Katsina State.
It was the second time in two weeks that NIS was rescuing trafficked victims from Nigeria to Niger Republic.
The Katsina State Controller of Immigration, Mr Ajisafe Joshua Olusola, told reporters in Katsina that the victim is from Omiamu Village in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
She was reportedly lured by a man, identified simply as Seun, said to be resident in Niger Republic, with the promise of getting her a job.
Ajisafe said: “Seun, who is suspected to be the kingpin of the syndicate, connected the victim with other members of the syndicate who were to facilitate her trip from her village to Niger Republic.
“It was revealed that the victim is in possession of ECOWAS Travel Certificate Number 232/338738 issued in Kano on August 17 and a temporary voter’s card.”
The Immigration Controller said the syndicate changed the name of the victim from Adeoye Oluseyi to Hadiza Bello and her home address from Omiamu village in Akure, Ondo State, to Kofa Ruwa Quarters in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.
He said: “You may wish to know that the syndicate requested from the victim N50,000, which the victim said was sourced from her parents and a sister. The money was paid into the bank account of Afolabi Sakirat on July 22.”
Ajisafe warned parents about the danger traffickers pose to mankind.
According to him, this has become known in international community as modern day slavery.
On the fate of the suspected trafficker, The Immigration Controller said he would be handed over to NIZS headquarters for further investigation and action.
