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A young woman from Benue State, identified as Miss Martha Nguvuan Nomishian (also referred to as Nomishishan), is reportedly in detention in Côte d’Ivoire following her arrest by local authorities over allegations related to human trafficking.
According to a detailed report published by BenueInfo-pedia on February 2, 2026, Nomishian, who hails from Konshisha Local Government Area and was based in Gboko before her departure, travelled out of Nigeria in December 2025. The journey was allegedly facilitated by a woman named Miss Nancy, who connected her with another contact, Miss Vivian John, with whom Nomishian was expected to stay upon arrival in Côte d’Ivoire.
Initial communication with Nomishian was reportedly maintained through Vivian John’s WhatsApp account shortly after her arrival in the West African country. However, sources indicate that contact became irregular by early January 2026 and eventually ceased completely, raising alarm among family members and associates back home.
Concerns escalated until last Friday, when a message allegedly sent from Vivian John’s account claimed that Nomishian had been arrested and was being detained by Ivorian authorities in connection with suspected human trafficking activities. As of the time of the report, there has been no direct communication from Nomishian herself, and she is said to remain in custody. No official confirmation or detailed statement has been obtained from Côte d’Ivoire authorities regarding the circumstances of her arrest, the specific charges, or her current status.
The development has sparked significant worry in the Konshisha and Gboko communities, with growing calls for urgent intervention by Nigerian diplomatic officials. Residents and concerned citizens are urging the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan or relevant federal authorities to step in swiftly to clarify the situation, verify the allegations, ensure Nomishian’s welfare, and protect her legal rights while in foreign detention.
Human trafficking remains a serious concern across West Africa, with Nigeria frequently cited as a source, transit, and destination country for victims and perpetrators alike. Cases involving young women recruited under the promise of better opportunities abroad often lead to exploitation or legal complications when networks are disrupted by law enforcement.
As the situation unfolds, family and community members continue to seek answers and assurances about the safety and fair treatment of the detained Benue indigene. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from official channels or through continued advocacy efforts.
