Three Benue teenagers saved from alleged cross-border trafficking plot

Three teenage girls from Benue State have reportedly been intercepted in Lagos in a suspected human trafficking case, while a man alleged to have facilitated their movement has been taken into custody.

According to information circulating online, the girls were identified as Gloria Asuerga (18) from Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area, Doom Aondoaver (17) from Naka in Gwer West, and Joy Ortsume (17) from Gwer East.

The suspect was identified as Emmanuel Waapera, who is alleged to be from Gwer East. Reports claim he acted as a recruiter and transporter, moving the girls to Lagos before handing them over to another suspected trafficking contact in exchange for a commission.

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The victims reportedly boarded a commercial vehicle operated from the CDO Park in Gboko and were picked up at Taraku for the journey to Lagos.

Preliminary reports further alleged that the girls were being transported as part of a plan to move them onward to Mali, where they were allegedly intended to be exploited for prostitution.

As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the interception and the identities of any additional suspects had not been officially confirmed.

The case has drawn attention to the persistent challenge of human trafficking in Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger vigilance by transport operators, communities and law enforcement agencies.

The Benue State Police Command and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons are expected to investigate the incident and determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking network.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement confirming the details contained in the circulating reports. Until then, the identities of those involved and the alleged trafficking plan remain subject to ongoing investigation.