Alimat Idowu, a Nigerian woman living in Libya, is pleading for help after her 2-year-old daughter, Ayoka, was trafficked to Italy by a neighbour, Janet Titilayomi. The shocking betrayal has left Alimat devastated, and she’s urging authorities and anyone who can help to intervene and bring her child back home.
Alimat had entrusted her daughter to Janet, who often babysat Ayoka. But unbeknownst to Alimat, Janet had ulterior motives. Two months ago Janet took Ayoka under the pretext of visiting a friend and instead smuggled her into Italy via the Mediterranean Sea. Janet then contacted Alimat, callously telling her she’d taken the child to Italy for a “better life”.
Hunan rights advocate Yakubu Oyiza Hope has raised the alarm, describing the case as unprecedented. “A 2-year-old should never be separated from her mother,” Oyiza lamented, appealing to the Nigerian Embassy, anti-human trafficking agencies, and anyone who can help to act swiftly. Despite attempts to reason with Janet, she’s refused to return Ayoka.
Nigeria is a source county for human trafficking, with victims often exploited in Europe and other parts of the world. Traffickers frequently use deception, false promises, and coercion to exploit vulnerable individuals, including children. Organizations like Europol and NAPTIP work to combat these crimes, but more efforts are needed to protect victims and prosecute traffickers.
Alimat’s heartbreaking story highlights the urgent need for action against child trafficking. Nigerians and international community are calling on authorities to intervene and help reunite Ayoka with her mother. If you or anyone you know has information or can help, please reach out to relevant authorities or anti-trafficking organizations.
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