A 14-year-old victim of sex trafficking in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State has disclosed that she was forced to engage with approximately 10 to 12 men each day while residing in the camp.
The victim, whose identity is being protected, hails from Akwa Ibom State and was trafficked to Ogun State on January 29, 2024.
On Wednesday at around 6:15 am, the Ogun State Amotekun Corps conducted a raid on the sex trafficking camp in Ifo, resulting in the apprehension of 15 suspects, including their leader, identified as Idem Joy.
The victims, aged between 12 and 39, were exploited for prostitution at the Railway Line Hotel situated along the Old Bank Road in Ifo.
Among the items seized during the operation were N819,600 in cash, various types of drugs, a carton of condoms, energy enhancers, lubricants, and packs of tissue paper, among other items.
Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), the Corps Commandant, stated while presenting the suspects at the command's headquarters in Abeokuta that 14 of the girls were trafficked from Akwa Ibom, with others coming from Cross River and Delta states.
Adedigba further revealed that during interrogations, the survivors recounted being forced to take an oath, a harrowing ordeal that involved being stripped and having portions of their hair cut off for supposed ritualistic purposes, intended to intimidate them against fleeing or revealing their situation.
In an interview with DAILY POST, the 14-year-old survivor, who dropped out of Junior Secondary School 3, recounted that she was misled about her purpose for coming to the state, believing she would work as a salesgirl. However, upon arrival, she found herself in a life of prostitution.
“They did not inform me that this would be my fate; they only said I would be a salesgirl when I arrived. I came with my friend, Glory, but she is employed at a different hotel.
“Upon my arrival, I was forced to take certain drugs before starting the work. Idem Joy cut some of my hair, claiming that if I attempted to escape, she would use my hair to harm me.
“For some, she took their photographs and for others, their blood,” she shared with sources.
When inquired about her earnings, she stated, “At times, I earn N20,000 daily, contingent upon the number of clients. I engage with 10 to 12 men each day, and they compensate me with either N1,000 or N2,000, depending on the situation.”
Additionally, a 17-year-old girl, whose name has been withheld, revealed that she was brought to the state on November 7, 2024.
She recounted being compelled to take an oath while standing unclothed on a Bible, with the stipulation of working for one year before she could attain her freedom.
She expressed, “I did not know the woman prior; I was brought to the state by her sister, Favour. It was only upon our arrival in Ogun State that she disclosed the nature of the work to me.
“She cut my hair and made me stand naked on a Bible to take an oath. For some of us, she used cotton wool to clean our private areas to prevent us from escaping.
“My clients pay me N5,000, N2,000, and often N1,000. She assured me that if I performed well, I would be free to leave after one year, and she would provide me with a phone and a box of clothes.
“Sometimes, I have 10 clients in a day, and after the encounters, I hand over all the money to her. I just want to return home,” she lamented.
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