By: Zackline Colley
In a distressing plight for repatriation, a 23-year-old woman, whose name will be omitted, originally from Nigeria, finds herself stranded in The Gambia after being lured under false pretenses by a family acquaintance she referred to as an aunt. Promised a lucrative job opportunity, she instead became ensnared in a harrowing tale of human trafficking.
She recounts her ordeal, revealing that she narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt in Lagos, only to find herself deceived once again upon her arrival in The Gambia. Initially informed of employment prospects at a local bar, she soon discovered the grim reality of her situation when coerced into prostitution by her alleged benefactor.
Desperate to return home and unwilling to engage in such illicit activities, she pleaded with the woman who brought her to The Gambia, only to be met with demands for a staggering sum of D250,000 allegedly spent on her transport. With no means to pay, she reluctantly succumbed to the exploitative circumstances.
Compounding her predicament, she found herself entangled in a fraught relationship with a police officer, whom she claims is the father of her unborn child. However, the officer vehemently denied paternity, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her pregnancy due to her line of work and leaving her emotionally and financially adrift.
With the due date fast approaching in May, her desperation has intensified. Her parents back in Nigeria, aware of her dire situation, have implored her to return home. However, abandoned by her purported guardian, she finds herself devoid of resources or support in The Gambia, seeking refuge at a shelter.
Now, with the hope of soliciting assistance to facilitate her journey home, she appeals to the public for aid in her repatriation efforts. Her harrowing tale serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive scourge of human trafficking and the vulnerable individuals ensnared within its web.
As she awaits the arrival of her child, her fervent plea for assistance echoes across borders, underscoring the urgent need for collective action to combat the insidious phenomenon of modern-day slavery.
