May 22, 2026
By Esther Onyegbula
What began as a desperate search for survival ended in tears, torture and sexual exploitation for 35-year-old Becky, 24-year-old Blessing, and 23-year-old Miracle, three young Nigerian women trafficked across borders under the false promise of decent jobs in Lagos.
For weeks, the women endured beatings, threats and forced prostitution in Mali after traffickers deceived them into believing they were travelling for legitimate work opportunities.
Now back in Nigeria after their rescue through the intervention of the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation, GAHTO, the survivors are speaking out, not only to recount their painful experiences, but to warn other vulnerable young women against falling prey to trafficking syndicates exploiting poverty and desperation across the country.
