Police rescue 39 foreign nationals of alleged human trafficking in Mararraba, Nassarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Nasarawa State have rescued 39 victims of alleged human trafficking, including 32 males and seven females, all from Mali except one female from Ivory Coast, during an operation in the Orange Market area of Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the rescue followed a report lodged at about 10:40 a.m. by one Habi Baraji, a Malian national who speaks only French and Arabic.
Baraji reported that he was lured from Mali to Nigeria about a week ago by another Malian, identified as Abdullahi Berter, who promised him a job opportunity in France.
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According to him, upon arrival at the Orange Market in Mararaba, he realised he had been deceived, as Berter allegedly began pressuring him to bring more persons from Mali into Nigeria for an undisclosed purpose.
Baraji further told security personnel that he suspected Berter was holding “many other victims” captive in a house in the area.
Based on the intelligence, a team of detectives, swiftly mobilised to the location, where they discovered 39 foreigners confined inside a bungalow, all unable to speak any local Nigerian language. The victims were immediately evacuated to safety.
Sources that the rescued victims are currently in protective custody pending further profiling and communication with the Malian and Ivorian consular authorities.