The Face Behind Human Trafficking in Benue State Revealed

In a chilling revelation that’s sending shockwaves through communities in Benue State, Nigeria, a Facebook post has unmasked a woman alleged to be a key player in a massive human trafficking ring operating between Nigeria and Libya. The post, shared by a user identifying as D’naked Elder Ze…, pulls no punches in detailing the horrors faced by young women lured into what they believe are lucrative job opportunities abroad, only to end up in a nightmare of exploitation and danger.

The accused, Ms. Joy Aondokaa, is described as a specialist in human trafficking who collaborates closely with her mother, Mrs. Nyikusu Aondokaa, from Kornya in Konshisha Local Government Area. According to the post, girls from areas like Vandeikya, Konshisha, and Gboko are prime targets. The scheme begins innocently enough: Joy reportedly sends money to her mother to convince local girls to travel to Libya with promises of cleaning jobs paying between 350,000 to 400,000 naira monthly—a sum that sounds like a dream to many in economically strained regions.

But the journey is far from glamorous. Victims are routed through Kano, where the real trafficking begins. The post warns that entering the desert via this path marks the start of unimaginable risks. Unlucky travelers might be kidnapped by rival groups, who then demand ransom from families back home. Others perish in the harsh desert conditions, traveling not by train as sometimes falsely promised, but on bikes and hilux vehicles. “Some young ladies died in deserts,” the post grimly states, highlighting the lethal stakes.

For those who survive the trek and reach Libya, a brutal reception awaits. New arrivals face a “heavy welcome party” involving beatings, followed by days of lockdown without food until a “madam” decides to “buy” them. The post details horrific rituals: Joy allegedly cuts hair from victims’ private areas and heads, marks their hands, draws blood samples, and takes nude photos—practices tied to what seems like control mechanisms or juju oaths to ensure compliance.

Once sold, the women are funneled into prostitution sites, forced to work off debts ranging from 6 million to 10 million naira before any hope of freedom. Sleeping with fewer than 20 clients a day invites “badluck” requiring “proper ritual cleansing.” In a particularly gruesome note, the post claims condoms are scarce in Libya, with rags and tissue paper used instead, inserted deeply to avoid visible signs—a practice that underscores the dehumanizing conditions.

Yet, amid the darkness, there’s a sliver of hope. The post claims that after enduring heavy heat yesterday—possibly a reference to intense pressure or weather—Joy agreed to release some girls under her control back home. She reportedly can’t contact those who’ve already gained freedom over the years, but she’s bringing home no fewer than seven ladies. This could signal a crack in the operation, perhaps due to mounting scrutiny or internal fallout.

The warning to Benue ladies is stark: “NO ONE should deceive you into moving to another African countries without job CSO at hand and proper documentation. Stay at home and be safe, God’s time is always the best.” It’s a plea rooted in desperation, urging young women to resist the allure of quick riches and prioritize verified opportunities.

This exposé raises urgent questions about the prevalence of human trafficking in Nigeria’s North Central region, where poverty and unemployment make vulnerable populations easy prey. Libya has long been a notorious hub for migrant exploitation, with routes through the Sahara Desert claiming countless lives. Nigerian authorities, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have been battling such networks, but cases like this highlight how family ties and local recruiters keep the cycle going.

As of November 10, 2025, there’s no official confirmation from law enforcement on these specific allegations, but the detailed account—complete with names, locations, and methods—demands immediate investigation. Communities in Benue must rally to protect their daughters, sharing information and supporting anti-trafficking initiatives. If even one life is saved by heeding this warning, the post will have served a greater purpose.

Human trafficking isn’t just a statistic; it’s a betrayal of trust that shatters families and futures. Stories like Joy Aondokaa’s alleged operation remind us that the fight against it requires vigilance, education, and swift justice. Stay informed, stay safe, and speak up—silence only empowers the traffickers.