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A prominent Benue-based human rights activist, Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya, has issued a passionate public appeal, calling on Nigerians, particularly residents of Benue State, to show empathy and support towards victims of human trafficking and smuggling rather than subjecting them to insults and mockery.
In a strongly worded post on his social media page, the activist, who is well-known for his relentless campaign against human trafficking in Benue State, highlighted the need for constructive engagement when discussing stories of victims. He urged followers to offer words of encouragement and awareness instead of negative comments.
Zege’Orkwande noted that a significant proportion of victims, approximately 80%, originate from rural areas where limited familiarity with distant locations, poor education, and lack of awareness make them particularly vulnerable. He stressed that many fall prey to deceptive job offers and other tricks employed by traffickers.
The activist expressed frustration over the tendency of some individuals to mock victims, drawing a parallel with local scammers who ridicule those they exploit. He questioned the difference between such scammers and those who laugh at trafficking victims online.
“I have witnessed women suffering in unhappy marriages, adorned with wedding rings, questioning why a human trafficking victim is crying with a nose ring,” he stated, underscoring the hypocrisy in some public reactions.
Zege’Orkwande emphasized that the purpose of sharing victims’ stories is purely educational — to warn others about the dangers of traveling to unfamiliar destinations without proper registration with local security agencies, immigration authorities, and family members.
He implored the public to refrain from insulting any victim on his page, reserving such behavior for private family gatherings if they must. “From today, if you can join me to fight against trafficking, do not insult the victims,” he declared.
Benue State has consistently been ranked among the states with the highest number of human trafficking cases in Nigeria, a situation attributed to factors such as insecurity, lack of employment opportunities, and other socio-economic challenges. Activists like Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya have been at the forefront of rescue operations, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with security agencies to combat the menace.
His latest appeal serves as a reminder that combating human trafficking requires not only arrests and rescues but also a compassionate societal attitude that supports rehabilitation and reintegration of victims rather than stigmatizing them.
