A new report has exposed the horrifying plight of Nigerian girls as young as 13 who are being trafficked to Ivory Coast under the guise of selling body cream. These innocent girls are then forced into a life of prostitution.
According to the Guardian UK, thousands of Nigerian girls are lured to Ivory Coast with promises of legitimate employment by unscrupulous agents who exploit the high unemployment rate in Nigeria. Upon arrival in Bouaké, these girls are taught the phrases “Alors baiser” and “c’est douce” to initiate and feign pleasure during sexual encounters.
Sara, a victim of this trafficking, shared her harrowing experience. She was told by her mother’s best friend that she would be selling body lotion in Ivory Coast. However, upon arrival, she was forced into prostitution by a “madam” who had paid for her travel without her knowledge.
Sara revealed that she earns between 3,000 and 5,000 Central African Francs (CFA) per sexual encounter, with a portion of the earnings going to the brothel and the madam. To pay off her debts, which include travel costs, clothes, sustenance, and bribes, Sara must work tirelessly, often for months on end.
The report further highlights the tactics used by recruiting agents in Nigeria. These agents target vulnerable individuals in rural communities and online job seekers, painting a false picture of lucrative opportunities. They coach the girls to deceive immigration officials by claiming they are going to the nearby market in Cotonou.
Many of the girls interviewed by the Guardian UK shared harrowing stories of abuse, including beatings and starvation for refusing to work. Due to their limited French language skills and unfamiliarity with the country, many feel trapped and unable to escape.
Nigerian immigration officials who have managed to repatriate trafficked girls have encountered victims as young as 13. Despite efforts to identify and rescue these girls, challenges such as limited resources and the girls’ insistence on their own free will often hinder repatriation efforts.
For Sara, the ordeal continues as she remains trapped in Ivory Coast. She dreams of returning home to Nigeria and escaping the life of prostitution she was forced into.
