A Nigerian woman who says she survived human trafficking has publicly criticised the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), accusing the agency of failing to respond to earlier appeals she made for assistance and protection.
In a video message shared on Facebook, Iziegbe Ogbeide, who identifies herself as a former trafficking victim, addressed the agency directly. She claimed that despite repeated attempts to contact NAPTIP in the past, her letters went unanswered.
According to Ogbeide, her first effort to reach the agency dates back several years. She recounted that in 2017 she formally wrote to NAPTIP but never received a response.
“NAPTIP I see wetin una write about me for una Twitter. Una sympathize with me. NAPTIP I'm not going to sugarcoat anything wey I wan talk for this video. Please pay attention. You guys know say una no dey do the job. NAPTIP you don't protect children. You didn't protect me so I have experience to say you don't protect children,” she said.
She further explained that the letter was sent through official channels in the United Kingdom. According to her, the correspondence originated from her then Member of Parliament in Manchester and was printed on official government stationery.
“NAPTIP, in 2017, I sent you a letter. You ignored me… I sent you people a letter. NAPTIP, till today, till tomorrow, you no reply me. Una nor write me back. I know you saw that letter. It was sent by my then MP in Manchester. They send am, e dey government paper. Yes. Yellow government paper like this. E get green stamp on the top,” she stated.
Ogbeide said she had written three separate letters at the time; one to the United Kingdom government, another to the palace of the Edo State monarch, and the third to NAPTIP.
She claimed that the British government responded within two weeks, informing her of its financial support to Nigeria’s anti-trafficking efforts.
“I sent three letters, one to UK government, one to Edo State King Palace, one to NAPTIP. UK replied me within two weeks and told me they send five million every year to support Nigeria with human, to tackle human trafficking,” she said.
During the video, Ogbeide called on NAPTIP to support her plan to publish a book about human trafficking. She argued that a detailed account of her experiences could serve as a warning to young girls and families.
“NAPTIP, see, Una say una go help me, anything I need, support me. NAPTIP I want to write a book. That's what you do for me right now… NAPTIP, sponsor my book. It's from £30,000 upwards. I don't want any roadside person or any other person to write that book. I want the best UK seller to write my book for me,” she said.
She maintained that such a publication could raise awareness and discourage vulnerable children from leaving home under deceptive promises.
“I think my book will protect Girl Pikin more than what your office do. NAPTIP, you cannot do it alone. The load is too much for you. Sponsor my book,” she added.
Ogbeide also alleged that trafficking routes involving Nigerian girls extend beyond Europe to other parts of Africa.
“NAPTIP, Italy is the Nenemwin of the Iceberg. Just the tip of it. The children, young girls, under aged children, wey dem dey traffick dey go Burkina Faso. Dey go African countries,” she said.
She continued to urge the agency to take up the proposal, suggesting that the book could eventually be distributed in schools and read widely by young people.
“In Nigeria, that book will be in every single schools for girl children to read… Even if it's going to be graphic, I think they need it. They need that awareness,” she said.
Despite her criticism of the agency, Ogbeide said she was not seeking sympathy but wanted practical support for the project.
“NAPTIP, I'm not somebody who's going to be here and sad and look for sympathy… All I've known all my life is how to be strong for myself. NAPTIP, Sponsor my book,” she said.
She concluded the message by reiterating her appeal and challenging the agency to pursue the proposal with government authorities if necessary.
“Message Tinubu, message the government, whoever you want to message and say, can we do this for this girl? You can. Sponsor my bloody book… Awareness of human trafficking. Sponsor it,” she said.