By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
Wisdom Chukwu Emeka, 29 has blamed the harsh economic situation and joblessness among the youths in the country as two out other reasons forcing the young ones to embark on the deadly trip to Europe through the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean.
Speaking to newsmen at the headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Dutse, Jigawa state, Chukwu, an indigene of Imo state, is one of the 10 rescued victims of suspected human trafficking during a midnight raid in a community in Babura local government area last Sunday.
While parading the rescued persons, comprising eight female and two males whose ages ranged between 24-30 years, the state NIS Comptroller Tahir Musa Abdullahi disclosed that the interception was carried out by “Operation Salama” team, at Tsamiyar Kwanche early January.
He subsequently handed them over to the state State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons, (NAPTIP), which promised a thorough investigations before taking further actions.
The Immigration chief said the victims, comprising eight females and two males, were en-route to Europe through the illegal migration channels.
CIS. Musa explained that the victims ages range between 21 and 30 years, with origins from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, and Imo states.
Apart from Chukwu, others rescued included Alatise Damilola, 29 from Oyo State; Ayomide Adeyemi, 24 Ondo; Lateef Jumoke, 30 from Ondo and Emyola Adeoye 24, from Ogun.
They also included Soneye Abigeal, 22 from Ogun; Ogunleye Temitope, 29, from Ogun; Osirowo Rebecca, 21, from Ogun; Oniyide Kabirat, 27, from Ogun and Azizat Adaranijo 26, also from Ogun.
He said during interrogation they revealed that they were being trafficked from various locations to Kano and onward to Babura, with plans to cross into Niger Republic, then to Libya, and eventually Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
He expressed concern over the rising cases of human trafficking and illegal migration, urging parents and guardians to monitor their children and prevent them from falling prey to traffickers.
He however emphasized that with the support of the Comptroller-General of the Service, Kemi Randap and the Jigawa state government, the ongoing commitment to reducing irregular migration in the state would be successful.
Mr.Mohammed Yunusa, NAPTIP’s Head of Operations in Jigawa, who spoke on behalf of the State Commandant of the Agency appreciated the cooperation they were receiving from the immigration and promised closer working relationship to ensure that the obnoxious practice is eradicated in the state.
But speaking with reporters, Chukwu confirmed that his friend who has also left the shores of the country has encouraged him to make the trip.
Chukwu, who described himself as an iron bender said he was not aware of any danger associated with trip, saying, “I’m not aware of anything bad there and even here in Nigeria, we do not have a better work either as the ones we have in Nigeria is not paying enough that can sustain us.
Asked if he was aware of the risk involved in the illegal immigration to Europe, he said, “All I believe is that everything in life is about risk taking, so, if you don’t take risk in life, you can’t make it in life, so, you have to take a risk before you can make it, so for that reason I can take any risk.”
Restating his believe in the dangerous trip, he said he was not happy that he would be forced to return to his community in Imo state, saying he had no regrets embarking on the trip, noting that, if presented with a second chance, he would continue with his trip till he reached Europe.
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