Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, has taken a strong stance against the trafficking of Nigerian underage girls to Côte d’Ivoire. In a statement he personally signed, Onyema condemned the inhumane act and expressed deep concern for the victims, promising that his airline would facilitate the return of the girls to Nigeria free of charge.
The revelation about the trafficking of at least 1,200 underaged Nigerian girls to Côte d’Ivoire came from a social media influencer, Martins Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan), who posted a video showing the girls, some of whom were visibly distressed. In response, Onyema committed to providing free flights for the girls to return to Nigeria, alongside immediate medical care at Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja.
In his statement, Onyema emphasized the need for a collective effort to combat trafficking, describing it as an “inhumane” and “ungodly” practice. He also called on the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to take action, ensuring the girls’ safe return, medical treatment, and reintegration into society, including their education and reuniting them with their families.
Onyema’s swift and compassionate response highlights the role that individuals and organizations can play in addressing human trafficking and providing support to vulnerable people. His promise to provide free transport and medical care for the victims serves as a hopeful intervention in a tragic situation.