Benue Teenager Recounts Alleged Human Trafficking Ordeal in Mali

Benue Teenager Recounts Alleged Human Trafficking Ordeal in Mali

An 18-year-old girl from Benue State has recounted her alleged ordeal after escaping a human trafficking syndicate in Mali, claiming she was forced into prostitution and subjected to severe abuse while in captivity.

According to the teenager, she and three other girls from Benue State were lured by traffickers with promises of lucrative jobs abroad. Instead of being offered legitimate employment, they were allegedly transported to Lagos, where they were instructed to pose as sachet water sellers before being moved through bush paths and illegal border routes to avoid immigration authorities.

She further alleged that the traffickers falsified their ages and states of origin at some border crossings as they travelled from Otukpo to Enugu, then Lagos, before eventually arriving in Mali.

The survivor claimed that upon arrival, the four girls were separated, their mobile phones and travel documents confiscated, and they were allegedly taken to a shrine where they were forced to swear an oath before being compelled into prostitution.

According to her account, the traffickers informed them that they would only regain their freedom after paying a specified amount of money demanded by the syndicate.

The teenager alleged that the victims were forced to attend to at least 20 clients every day under harsh conditions. She also claimed they were physically assaulted whenever they refused clients or failed to meet the demands of their handlers.

She further alleged that between March and June 2026, she was sexually exploited by nearly 2,000 men before eventually escaping from captivity.

The disturbing account has renewed concerns over the activities of human trafficking networks operating across West Africa, where young people are often deceived with false promises of employment and better opportunities abroad before being subjected to exploitation.

Authorities are yet to officially comment on the allegations or provide details of any ongoing investigation into the incident.

Benue Teenager Recounts Alleged Human Trafficking Ordeal in Mali