Opinion

Benue Elder Zege Exposes Local Woman as Key Figure in Cross-Border Human Trafficking Ring

Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!

In a bombshell social media revelation that has sent shockwaves through communities in Benue State and beyond, a prominent local elder known as D’naked Elder Zege’Orkwande has publicly accused Ms. Joy Aondokaa—also known as Fancy—of orchestrating a human trafficking network that lures young girls from rural Benue into forced labor and exploitation in Libya and other African countries.

The accusations, posted on a widely followed platform, reference a previous viral story of a Benue girl who was recently rescued and seen receiving medical attention after enduring severe hardship in Libya. According to the elder, Ms. Aondokaa is the central figure behind the trafficking of at least 14 girls from Jachira and surrounding areas to Libya, with routes extending to Ghana and other nations.

READ ALSO:  Terhemba Eugenia Adoo Faces Fierce Backlash in Martha Akumbar Funds Saga

“I reached out to Madam Joy Aondokaa begging her to release the 14 girls she trafficked to Libya back to Nigeria (Benue), but you can see her reply… very bad,” the elder wrote, hinting at a hostile or dismissive response from the accused.

Ms. Aondokaa, identified as the daughter of Mr. Aondokaa and Mrs. Nyiakusu Aondokaa from Kornya in Konshisha Local Government Area, allegedly operates within familiar community circles, making her actions even more alarming to local residents.

The elder issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the safe return of the girls, many of whom, he claims, are exhausted from years of grueling domestic work—locally referred to as “olosho work”—under harsh conditions abroad. Some families, he revealed, had given up hope, believing their missing daughters were dead after years of fruitless searching in Nigeria.

READ ALSO:  Prof. Gundu’s Lawyers Slam Nasarawa Defamation Suit as “Abuse of Process” in FCT High Court

“This is how I’m always following peacefully before using other methods later. I’m no more keeping such cases secret again… Keep follow as we progress. Don’t blame my next action,” the post concluded, signaling potential escalation if demands are not met.

The allegations have ignited intense online reactions, with many calling for immediate investigation by law enforcement and anti-trafficking agencies. Human trafficking remains a persistent scourge in Nigeria, particularly in rural regions where poverty and lack of opportunities make young people vulnerable to false promises of overseas jobs.

READ ALSO:  "Return Martha's Money!" – Ex-Benue Lecturer Dr. Aondona Mkor Blasts Activist Ukan Kurugh as Donation Scandal Explodes

As of now, there has been no official response from Ms. Joy Aondokaa or her family, and authorities have yet to comment on the claims. However, the public exposure of such a case by a respected community figure underscores a growing resolve among locals to confront trafficking networks operating within their midst.

This developing story serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in promises of better opportunities abroad. Community leaders, government agencies, and civil society must act swiftly to verify these claims, rescue the victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The clock is ticking. Will the girls make it home?

Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!

Leave a Reply