Social media posts by Benue-based activist Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya have accused a woman from Konshisha Local Government Area of trafficking more than 100 Benue minors to Mali under false promises of work, only for them to end up in prostitution.
According to the posts, the woman allegedly sold newborn babies born to her victims and returned one infant after a failed transaction. The activist further claimed that three of the victims died and were buried in Mali.
Photos accompanying the posts show the woman and groups of young girls, with faces of minors blurred. Yaaya stated he would release more details, including information about her agents operating in Benue State, and questioned the future of the Benue girl child amid such cases.
Human trafficking of young women and girls from Benue to destinations including Mali for sexual exploitation has been a recurring concern, with activists and agencies like NAPTIP documenting multiple incidents and survivor accounts in recent years.
