…I was sold for $2,000 — Victim

By Precious Owolabi

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Nigerians lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs have recounted harrowing tales of exploitation, abuse, and betrayal ranging from forced labour to inhuman conditions.

These survivors shared their experiences, shedding light on the dangers of human trafficking and the deceitful schemes that ensnare unsuspecting job seekers.

Recounting her ordeal, Mrs Modupe (not her real name), ‘narrated her ugly experience after being trafficked under the false promise of a lucrative job in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In an exclusive interview with The Hope, the National Certificate of Education (NCE) holder described how her pursuit of a brighter future led her into a harrowing nightmare.

A former secretary in Lagos, Mrs Modupe recounted how a friend connected her to her brother, who promised her a reputable secretarial position in Dubai.

“I was assured it was a legitimate opportunity. But the promise of greener pastures turned out to be a trap,”she said.

Upon arriving in Dubai, her journey took an unexpected and terrifying turn.

 “I was told we would travel to Dubai town, but instead, I found myself in Lebanon. There, I was confined in a room with other victims, awaiting our so-called employers,” she narrated.

The exploitation began with medical examinations, including a tetanus injection. She was later handed over to a Lebanese man who claimed ownership of her.

“I was shocked when my ‘boss’ informed me that I had been purchased for $2,000 and would need to work as a housemaid for two years to repay the debt. This was not what I signed up for,” she recounted.

Mrs Modupe described the torment she endured, including threats and various forms of abuse explaining, “I faced mental, emotional, and physical abuse. My employer restricted my phone usage, and I could only contact my family sporadically.”

Despite the dire circumstances, she managed to survive by moving between employers and holding on to hope. Eventually, she sought help from Project Ferry, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to rescuing trafficking victims abroad.

“They were my lifeline. With their support, I contacted the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which facilitated my return home. The IOM provided invaluable assistance, including repatriation and emotional, physical, and financial support.”

Reflecting on her ordeal, Mrs Modupe acknowledged the warning signs she missed during the recruitment process, noting, “there were red flags, unusual airport procedures, instructions not to wear travelling clothes, and the general secrecy surrounding the journey.”

In a heartfelt appeal, she urged others seeking opportunities abroad to exercise caution. “Research thoroughly, follow proper channels, and inform your loved ones of your plans. Sometimes, the opportunities we seek may be closer to home than we realise,” she advised.

Her story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of vigilance in the pursuit of a better life.

Also, Mrs Iyabo (not her real name) revealed how she fled her boss’s house in Lebanon after being deceived into forced labour.

“I met someone online three months after my arrival in Lebanon. I narrated my ordeal to her. I was physically and emotionally broken, thin and constantly unwell.

“She helped me escape my boss’ house but introduced me to prostitution. Desperate to leave, I had no choice but to accept the offer,” she recounted.

Mrs Iyabo endured harsh conditions in her new environment.

“I did all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry because they were paying for Wi-Fi and other bills. Even worse, there were no sleeping arrangements for me, so I often hid in the bathroom or corridor,” she explained.

One day, her pastor from Nigeria warned her against engaging in prostitution, saying it could lead to her death. This fear prompted her to seek help from another woman, who introduced her to a cleaning job and facilitated her escape to the Nigerian Embassy. After six months, she returned home.

Miss Blessing (not her real name) shared a similar ordeal. Lured by promises of privacy and fair treatment, she accepted a housemaid job in Oman after completing her National Diploma.

“I saw hell in the first house I worked.

The woman starved me, and I worked from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., constantly threatened with death.”

With the help of the IOM and a friend, she received food, financial support, and assistance in returning to Nigeria.

Another victim, Miss Itunu (not her real name), a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic, was deceived by a trafficker who promised her family that Lebanon would be a land of opportunity.

“I knew it was a housemaid job, but what I experienced was nothing short of hard labour and abuse. My boss took my phone and passport, leaving me completely isolated,” shee revealed.

After escaping to the Nigerian Embassy and spending a week sleeping outside, she received support from former Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri, and His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye.

 The IOM also assisted in her repatriation and reintegration into society.

Their stories highlight the grim realities of human trafficking and the importance of awareness, caution, and proper channels when seeking opportunities abroad.