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A prominent Benue-based social activist and human rights advocate known as D’naked Elder Sughnen Yaaya has publicly highlighted a distressing case of alleged human trafficking, claiming a young woman from Makurdi was deceived and transported to Sokoto State last week.
In a detailed post shared on social media, the activist explained that a family reached out to him after their daughter was reportedly lured by a woman operating at High Level in Makurdi. The victim was subsequently trafficked to Sokoto, a known transit point in networks that move people northward toward international borders.
The activist described the common trafficking route from Sokoto into Niger Republic, through Agadez, and onward to Libya, where victims often face severe exploitation, including forced labor, sexual abuse, or attempts to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. He expressed regret over not intervening more directly this time, noting that the victim’s phone number was still active and connecting, which he believes could have facilitated swift action through live tracking if security agencies were fully committed.
D’naked Elder criticized what he described as inefficiencies or complicity within some Nigerian security authorities, alleging that certain officials are involved in human trafficking themselves. He contrasted this with his own past experience, claiming that the Department of State Services (DSS) had successfully tracked and apprehended him at a location called Balcony, questioning why similar technology and methods are not deployed to rescue trafficking victims and apprehend perpetrators.
The activist emphasized his longstanding personal efforts to combat human trafficking in Benue State, stating that he has invested his own resources over the years to raise awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and unlawful opportunities abroad. He said these activities have earned him international enemies due to his persistent advocacy, but despite creating widespread awareness through consistent campaigns and preaching against negative effects, many people from the region continue to pursue risky paths.
Frustrated by the ongoing prevalence of such cases, he declared that he will no longer use his personal funds to stage fights that he believes should be led by the government. Instead, he directed the affected family to contact the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for official intervention and necessary actions.
Human trafficking remains a serious concern in Nigeria, with Benue State frequently cited in reports of internal and cross-border exploitation, particularly involving young women and children deceived with promises of better opportunities. Routes through northern states like Sokoto to Niger and Libya are well-documented pathways used by traffickers, often leading to dire consequences for victims.
The activist concluded by reaffirming his commitment to doing his best within personal limits but stressed that the responsibility ultimately lies with relevant authorities to address the root causes and dismantle trafficking networks effectively. No official confirmation or response from security agencies or NAPTIP regarding this specific case has been reported as of the time of this publication.
