metro
Porous border aiding mass trafficking of Nigerian girls, says VeryDarkMan
Porous border aiding mass trafficking of Nigerian girls, says VeryDarkMan
Popular Nigerian social justice advocate, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s porous borders and the failure of immigration authorities to curb human trafficking, following the repatriation of several Nigerian women trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking to journalists at the arrival section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 1 a.m. on Sunday, shortly after the victims landed, Otse condemned what he described as institutional complacency and misplaced priorities by Nigeria’s immigration system.
“It’s a good thing that the ladies are back from Ivory Coast,” he said. “But the borders are porous. Immigration is not doing enough. They spend time chasing bags of rice and contraband, while hundreds of girls are trafficked out of Nigeria every single day.”
His comments come on the heels of renewed concerns about the scale of human trafficking in West Africa. According to reports, over 500 Nigerian girls are trafficked across borders weekly, lured by promises of jobs and prosperity, often only to end up in exploitative or enslaved conditions.
READ ALSO:
- Tension in Anambra as tricycle kills masquerader during Awka festival
- Wike’s aide asks Fubara to quit Rivers government house legally
- Many flee Sokoto communities as Turji issues fresh ultimatum
Otse, who has used his online platforms to campaign against sexual violence and exploitation, said the root problem lies in systemic failure and societal pressure.
“Bringing them back is not the solution. Stopping them from going in the first place is,” he stressed. “Trafficking doesn’t only happen abroad. It happens here too. Kids on the street, begging at traffic junctions, many of them are trafficked.”
He also pointed to cultural and economic pressures as enabling factors, citing the influence of returnees who flaunt wealth in rural communities, often becoming recruiters, directly or indirectly, for the trafficking chain.
“When these so-called ‘big aunties’ come back from abroad and spray money at events, mothers in villages start asking, ‘How did you get this money?’ Then they say, ‘Can you carry my daughter?’ That’s how it starts.”
Otse called for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s border control operations and public sensitization at the grassroots levels. “I have sisters. This is personal for me. Immigration must expand what they do with their time. If we don’t fix this, many of these girls will just keep going back.”
It will be recalled that in a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, 78 Nigerian girls and young women who were trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire were safely repatriated in the early hours of Sunday morning. The victims arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at approximately 1:00 a.m., where the National Agency received them for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
metro
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.
According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.
READ ALSO:
- Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere
- UK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8
- NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.
Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.
The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
metro
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.
Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.
Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.
READ ALSO:
- Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere
- UK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8
- NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.
The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
metro
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.
The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.
Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.
The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.
“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.
Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
-
metro2 days agoTragedy in Aramoko: Trailer Rams Residential Building, Kills 300‑Level Student
-
News2 days agoFinal Notice: FG Orders Civil Servants to Complete PASGA Verification by March 31
-
metro13 hours agoJos Attack: Plateau Govt Declares 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Assault
-
Entertainment2 days agoNollywood Actress Declares Love for Ibrahim Chatta, Offers to Pay Her Own Dowry
-
Entertainment3 hours agoFunke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere
-
Entertainment2 days agoStreamer Peller Escorted Out of Alake of Egbaland’s Palace in Abeokuta
-
International2 days agoIranian Missiles, Drones Strike US Air Base in Saudi Arabia
-
metro2 days agoADC Chairman’s Daughter Joins Pro-Tinubu Campaign Organisation


