Sex Trafficking: ‘They Took Us To Native Doctor, Shaved Our Private Parts Before Leaving Edo’ – Survivor

Sex Trafficking: ‘They Took Us To Native Doctor, Shaved Our Private Parts Before Leaving Edo’ – Survivor

 

 

 

A survivor of human trafficking, Piana Shua Kimari, has recounted how she was subjected to disturbing traditional rituals before being trafficked out of Nigeria at the age of 15.

 

Kimari, who shared her experience during a media appearance, disclosed that she and other young girls were taken to a traditional practitioner in Ekpoma, Edo State, where parts of their bodies were shaved before they were transported out of the country.

 

Recounting the frightening experience, she said the traffickers subjected them to the rituals before leaving Ekpoma.

 

“Before we left Ekpoma in Edo State, they took us to a powerful native doctor. They shaved our armpits, private parts and head hair,” she recalled.

 

Her revelation has brought renewed attention to the disturbing methods allegedly employed by human trafficking syndicates to recruit, intimidate and control vulnerable young women and girls.

 

The practice of subjecting trafficking victims to traditional oaths and rituals is a recognised method of psychological intimidation used by some trafficking networks, particularly in cases involving cross-border sexual exploitation.

 

In some instances, victims are made to believe that revealing the identities of their traffickers, escaping or refusing to repay alleged trafficking debts could expose them or their families to spiritual attacks, madness or death.

 

Such threats often leave victims traumatised and afraid to seek help, even when they have opportunities to escape.

 

Kimari further recounted how their journey took them beyond Nigeria, with movements through areas around the Seme border and towards Mali, before she fully understood the dangerous situation she had found herself in.

 

According to her account, what initially appeared to be an opportunity turned into a nightmare when she realised she had fallen into the hands of human traffickers.

 

Her experience highlights the vulnerability of young girls to trafficking networks that exploit poverty, unemployment, deception and the desire for better opportunities abroad.

 

Nigeria, particularly Edo State, has long been identified as an important source area for victims of human trafficking, with some victims recruited and transported through international routes for sexual and other forms of exploitation.

 

The survivor’s account also underscores the importance of community awareness, early intervention and effective collaboration among security agencies, anti-trafficking organisations and relevant authorities.

 

There are growing calls for stronger efforts to identify and prosecute individuals involved in trafficking networks, including recruiters, transporters and collaborators who facilitate the exploitation of vulnerable persons.

 

Beyond rescuing victims, human rights advocates have consistently stressed the need for rehabilitation, psychological support, vocational training and reintegration programmes to help survivors rebuild their lives.

 

Kimari’s testimony serves as another reminder of the dangers confronting vulnerable Nigerian girls and the need for families and communities to remain vigilant against deceptive offers of overseas employment and travel opportunities.

 

Sex Trafficking: ‘They Took Us To Native Doctor, Shaved Our Private Parts Before Leaving Edo’ – Survivor