2 days ago
Air Peace Pledges To Return Trafficked Underage Girls From Côte d’Ivoire
The Chairman of Air Peace airlines, Dr. Allen Onyema, has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent discovery of Nigerian underaged girls trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire. In a statement signed by Onyema, Air Peace pledged to return the girls back to Nigeria from the French-speaking West African country free of charge.
This development comes after Martins Otse, a social media influencer known as VeryDarkMan, revealed that no fewer than 1,200 underaged Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ivory Coast are languishing in that country. The influencer also threatened to drag the Chairman of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, if the trafficked girls were not brought back to the country within one week.
Dr. Onyema condemned human trafficking, describing it as "cruel, inhumane, and ungodly." He emphasized the need for collective action to combat such exploitation, stating, "We must all work to end trafficking in any form. It is heartless and a clear display of man’s inhumanity to man."
The trafficked girls, some as young as 12 years old, have been forced into various forms of exploitation, including child labor and prostitution. Many of them have been subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and some have been denied access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.
The girls were lured to Côte d’Ivoire with promises of better lives and job opportunities, but they were instead met with harsh realities. Many of them are now living in fear, unsure of their fate or how to escape their situation.
Air Peace has committed to providing comprehensive support to the trafficked girls, including free flights, medical attention, and collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy. The airline will provide free medical examination and treatment at Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja.
Dr. Onyema stated, "We at Air Peace are ready to bring our fellow citizens back home free of charge. Besides that, we are going to send all of them to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for free medical examination and treatment."
The airline's initiative has been welcomed by many, who see it as a crucial step towards addressing the plight of the trafficked girls. Air Peace's commitment to providing free medical attention is particularly significant, given the girls' exposure to various health risks.
Dr. Onyema has called on the Federal Government to support the reintegration of the trafficked girls by overseeing their education and helping reunite them with their families. He stated, "While we implore the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire to assemble them and reach out to us, we equally call on the Federal Government to take charge of their education while reuniting them with their families."
The Federal Government's support will be critical in ensuring the girls' successful reintegration into society. Providing them with access to education and reuniting them with their families will help them rebuild their lives and overcome the trauma they have experienced.
The trafficking of Nigerian girls to Côte d’Ivoire is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. It demands collective action from government agencies, private organizations, and individuals.
Dr. Onyema's call for collective action is timely, given the scale of the problem. Human trafficking is a global issue that affects millions of people, and it requires a concerted effort to combat it.
Conclusion
The initiative by Air Peace to return the trafficked underage girls from Côte d’Ivoire is a welcome development. The airline's commitment to providing comprehensive support to the girls, including free flights and medical attention, is a significant step towards addressing their plight.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to combat human trafficking and provide support to its victims. The Federal Government's support will be critical in ensuring the girls' successful reintegration into society.
The story of the trafficked girls serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to address human trafficking. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, and it demands the attention of all stakeholders.
In the end, the goal is to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of the trafficked girls. With Air Peace's commitment and the support of the Federal Government, it is possible to achieve this goal and provide the girls with a second chance at life.
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