In new reports, over 20,000 Nigerian girls are trapped in Mali as sex slaves.
A report by Al Jazeera News reveals and confirms a “collusion between Malian law enforcement and traffickers is hampering rescue efforts”.
The sex trade business is reported to be flourishing in the country because it benefits many influential people, also making it difficult for the girls to escape.
The victims are reportedly forced to have sex with up to ten men a day.
The report also revealed that a Nigerian government agency has been making moves to get freedom for the victims. Some of them were captured in a documentary looking helpless with their situation.
According to an anti-human trafficking activist, Prosper Michael, in a clip shared on Al Jazeera’s Twitter account on Thursday, the efforts made so far to stop the crime has been lacking the desired impact because many are gaining from the problem.
Nigeria is struggling to rescue ~20,000 girls forced into prostitution in Mali – due to corruption. pic.twitter.com/vJ49n84Z49
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 7, 2019
In a situation where there are a lot of beneficiaries in a crime, it is very very difficult to eradicate it.
The people you think you can call to come and rescue these girls are benefiting every week, says Michael while sharing the experience so far.
There are also reports of intimidation of Nigerians who have attempted to deliver the women from captors who promised them a means of living but never delivered on their vow. Those who attempted a rescue were reportedly forced to leave the vicinity where the girls are being held.
