News Investigators/ The Police command in Lagos State has confirmed the rescue of a 16-year-old girl from a suspected human trafficking and prostitution syndicate.
The victim on Monday narrated how she was lured to Lagos with promises of employment but was allegedly exploited and abused.
Speaking at the Lagos Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, the teenager said she was learning baking in Delta.
She said a woman approached her with an offer of a catering job paying ₦100,000 monthly.
According to her, the woman promised transportation, feeding and a better means of livelihood.
The promise, she said, convinced her to travel to Lagos with a friend in search of opportunities.
“Upon arriving in Lagos, I discovered that the work I was promised was different from what was presented.
“I was compelled to engage in prostitution and made to sleep with men at different locations,” she said.
The teenager alleged that the woman gave her substances that affected her thoughts and behaviour.
She said she became frightened, confused and trapped in the situation.
The victim claimed she was charged ₦5,000 per man but denied access to the proceeds.
She said leaving became impossible because she lacked money and did not know anyone in Lagos.
“I have been staying with her in a hotel for four months now. There are seven of us girls under her, and she uses us for prostitution,” she said.
The teenager alleged that her daily activities began from 4:00 a.m. and continued without adequate rest.
She claimed the abuse severely affected her health and caused serious pain.
“My private parts have been paining me seriously because I was forced to have sexual intercourse,” she said.
She alleged that she was exposed to between 50 and 80 men daily without protection.
The victim further claimed she was beaten and threatened whenever she complained or attempted to leave.
“Whenever I complained or tried to leave, I was beaten and threatened,” she said.
She added that she sustained injuries and was denied proper medical attention.
The teenager said she eventually escaped after an alleged attack by the woman controlling her.
According to her, the woman allegedly stabbed her, leaving her bleeding and desperate to seek help.
She said she boarded a vehicle while searching for a police station to report her ordeal.
Along the way, she said a man and later a woman assisted her before police intervened.
The officers, after seeing her condition, she said, immediately arranged medical treatment.
Her report reportedly led to the rescue of 11 other victims from a hotel on Lagos Island.
The police command also confirmed the arrest of two suspected members of the alleged trafficking syndicate.
Authorities said investigations into the operation and other possible accomplices were ongoing.
NAN
