A Libya returnee recounts a harrowing experience of human trafficking in Libya during an in-depth interview with Newsmen. "When I heard stories about human trafficking, I never imagined I'd one day be involved. I never thought anyone would associate me with such a trade. But here I am, a Libya returnee. Isn't that what you journalists call us?
I am a graduate of economics from a state university. For context, state universities are expensive, which means I wasn't entirely disadvantaged. After completing my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) five years ago, I searched relentlessly for a job. There was nothing no interviews, no part-time opportunities, nothing. The few vacancies that existed had thousands of applicants vying for them.
Out of frustration, I tried other ventures. I learned hairdressing, dabbled in dressmaking, and even considered teaching. But bureaucracy and exploitation from men who wanted favors in exchange for opportunities discouraged me. So, when I heard about traveling abroad anywhere, even Ghana I was ready.
That's when I met a man who told me about Libya. He claimed I could eventually get to Spain, starting as a maid. He introduced me to an "agent" named Charles, who promised to handle my travel documents in exchange for a percentage of my future earnings. I raised N300,000 with help from my family, believing I'd pay them back within a year.
The journey to Libya was a nightmare. From Kano to Agadez, I saw horrors in the desert: human remains of those who didn't survive. I thought I'd seen the worst, but arriving in Libya proved me wrong.
The moment I stepped off the lorry, I was taken to a house and ordered to strip. A Libyan woman informed us we were her property and would either obey or die. Exhausted and hungry, we were given minimal food and crammed into one room with six other girls. The next day, we began "work" prostitution.
I was devastated. In Nigeria, I refused to compromise my integrity to secure a job, but here I was, forced to sell my body daily. Men violated me in unimaginable ways. Some days, I had to endure 20 to 25 men. I was in constant pain, bleeding, and emotionally numb. All the money went to the "madam."
I begged for death many times. Survival felt impossible. After two brutal years, a glimmer of hope emerged when Nigerian officials visited to help returnees. Without hesitation, I ran to them, desperate to return home.
Today, I am back in Nigeria. My story is a reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the desperation that leads many down this path. If you're considering such a journey, please, think again. It's not worth it.
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