Daud Olatunji
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for Miss Odunayo Eniola Isaac, a Nigerian victim of human trafficking recently rescued from Iraq.
Miss Isaac, who was repatriated to Nigeria after a viral video exposed her plight, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where she was received by NAPTIP operatives and immigration officials.
A statement issued by NAPTIP Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, disclosed that the agency’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello while speaking at the NAPTIP headquarters in Abuja, expressed deep sorrow over Miss Isaac’s traumatic experience and assured Nigerians of the agency’s commitment to securing justice for her.
According to the statement, Miss Isaac’s ordeal began on January 22, 2023, when she left Nigeria for Baghdad, Iraq, through WB Warani Manpower, a recruitment company.
Upon arrival, she was assigned to work for an Iraqi family of eight, including six children. She worked over 20 hours daily under extreme conditions.
Despite her grueling schedule, she was not paid for months.
When she requested her salary, her employer resorted to violence, often subjecting her to severe beatings. On one occasion, she was bound and thrown into a dog cage overnight. Her phone was also confiscated to prevent communication with her family.
Moved by Miss Isaac’s plight, NAPTIP collaborated with civil society organizations, foreign agencies, and government ministries to facilitate her return.
Following her arrival, the agency initiated profiling, counseling, and medical assessments to address her immediate and long-term needs.
“I must say that she had a close shave with death, and we are all happy that she is alive to tell her painful story,” Bello said.
She also directed the agency’s Counselling and Rehabilitation Department to ensure Miss Isaac receives psychosocial support, medical care, and assistance in reuniting with her family.
While expressing gratitude to NAPTIP’s partners, Bello cautioned Nigerians against falling for enticing job offers abroad without verifying their authenticity.
“Over the past few months, we have intercepted scores of youths, mostly girls, at various points of exit across Nigeria. Many of their destinations are volatile countries in the Middle East.
“A dangerous journey of this nature could have been avoided with simple caution and a check from NAPTIP,” she stated.
Recounting her ordeal, Miss Isaac said, “I thank God that I am alive. I will not wish that my enemy passes through what I experienced. I never thought I could survive the painful ordeal.”
NAPTIP has vowed to pursue justice for Miss Isaac and continue its efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians from trafficking syndicates.
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