Physically Challenged Nigerian Woman Rescued from Trafficking in Mali
The Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation (GAHTO) has successfully rescued a 22-year-old physically challenged Nigerian woman, Njoku Nnena, who was trafficked to Mali for prostitution. This distressing case was disclosed in a statement issued by GAHTO's founder, Prosper Michael, on Monday, April 6, 2026, as reported by Punch.
Economic Hardship and Family Responsibilities
In an emotional interview, Nnena revealed that severe economic hardship and pressing family responsibilities compelled her to seek opportunities outside her home state. She explained that her journey began in Onitsha before moving to Lagos, where she encountered individuals who connected her to traffickers. "I wanted to support my three-year-old son and help my mother. That was why I decided to travel," she stated.
In Lagos, Nnena was introduced to a woman near an under bridge, who facilitated arrangements for her travel. She was subsequently transported through Cotonou in the Benin Republic before arriving in Mali, where she was handed over to another member of the trafficking network.
Ordeal in Mali
Upon arrival, Nnena was placed in a house with other Nigerian girls under the control of a "madam." She alleged, "We were forced into prostitution and asked to send money to them, even though we didn't understand the terms." Her situation worsened due to her health condition; Nnena suffers from epilepsy resulting from a childhood stroke and ran out of medication during the journey.
"I didn't have my drugs with me, and my condition became worse. I couldn't continue what they asked me to do," she recounted. Eventually, she was sent back to Nigeria and later rescued with GAHTO's intervention, arriving on Easter Friday.
Mother's Heartbreaking Account
Nnena's mother, Ipe Ikenna Lora, shared her daughter's long-standing health challenges, noting that convulsions began at age two, leading to coma and developing into epilepsy with memory loss. Lora added that this situation contributed to the breakdown of her marriage. "My husband left, blaming me for her condition. Since then, I have been taking care of her alone while running a small business," she said.
The burden has affected Lora's health, causing high blood pressure, and she revealed that Nnena's condition sometimes causes her to wander away from home. "I didn't even know she had travelled to Mali until GAHTO contacted me after rescuing her," Lora added.
Appeals for Support
Nnena appealed for support to rebuild her life, expressing a desire to return to school or learn a skill to become self-sufficient. "I want to go back to school or learn a skill so I can take care of myself. I also need medical treatment to manage my condition," she pleaded. Her mother echoed this appeal, calling on government agencies and well-meaning individuals for assistance. "I'm asking for help so my daughter can have a stable life again," Lora said.
GAHTO's Concerns and Calls to Action
In response, GAHTO raised fresh concerns over a growing surge in human trafficking cases involving young women in Nigeria. The organization stated that this latest case reflects a broader and troubling pattern of trafficking across West Africa, particularly targeting vulnerable young women facing economic hardship and health challenges. "This case is not isolated. It highlights a growing trend of trafficking in the region," GAHTO emphasized.
The group specifically urged key stakeholders, including Chioma D. Uzodinma and Nkechinyere Ugwu, to take immediate and coordinated action. It also stressed the need for increased public awareness, stronger preventive frameworks, and sustainable rehabilitation programmes for survivors. "The situation underscores the urgent need for collective action to combat human trafficking and support victims in rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope," GAHTO added.
Therefore, GAHTO called on government authorities to urgently implement support measures to rehabilitate victims and prevent further occurrences, highlighting the critical role of community and institutional efforts in addressing this pervasive issue.
