An indigene of Imo State, Wisdom Chukwuemeka, has blamed the harsh economic situation and joblessness among the youths in the country as some of the reasons forcing the young ones to embark on the deadly trip to Europe through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean.

Chukwu is one of 10 victims of suspected human trafficking rescued during a midnight raid in a community in Babura Local Government Area last Sunday.

While parading the rescued persons, comprising eight females and two males between 24-30 years of age, on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Dutse, Jigawa, the state NIS  Comptroller Tahir Abdullahi disclosed that the interception was carried out based on “Operation Salama” team, carried out  at Tsamiyar Kwanche.

He subsequently handed them over to the State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), which promised a thorough investigation before taking further actions.

The immigration chief said the victims, comprising eight females and two males, were en route to Europe through the illegal migration channels.

Musa explained that the victims were from Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Imo.

Apart from the 29-year-old Chukwu, others rescued included Alatise Damilola, 29, from Oyo State,  Ayomide Adeyemi, 24 Ondo, Lateef Jumoke, 30 from Ondo and Emyola Adeoye 24, from Ogun.

They also included Soneye Abigeal, 22 from Ogun, Ogunleye Temitope, 29, from Ogun,  Osirowo Rebecca,  21, from Ogun, Oniyide Kabirat, 27,  from Ogun and Azizat Adaranijo  26, also from Ogun.

He said that interrogations revealed that they were being trafficked from various locations to Kano and onward to Babura, with plans to cross into Niger Republic, then to Libya, and eventually Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of human trafficking and illegal migration, urging parents and guardians to monitor their children and prevent them from falling prey to traffickers.

He however emphasised that with the support of the Comptroller-General of the NIS Kemi Randap and the Jigawa State Government, the ongoing commitment to reducing irregular migration in the state would be successful.

Mohammed Yunusa, NAPTIP’s Head of Operations in Jigawa, who spoke on behalf of the State Commandant of the agency appreciated the cooperation they were receiving from the immigration and promised closer working relation to ensure that the obnoxious practice is eradicated in the state.

But speaking with reporters, Chukwu confirmed that his friend, who has left the shores of the country, encouraged him to make the trip. 

Chukwu, who described himself as an iron bender, said he was not aware of any danger associated with trip, saying, “I’m not aware of anything bad there and even here in Nigeria, we do not have a better work either as the ones we have in Nigeria is not paying enough that can sustain us.”

Asked if he was aware of the risk involved in the illegal immigration to Europe, he said, “All I believe is that everything in life is about risk-taking. If you don’t take risk in life, you can’t make it in life. You have to take a risk before you can make it, so for that reason I can take any risk.” 

Restating his belief in the dangerous trip, he said he was not happy that he would be forced to return to his community in Imo, saying he had no regrets embarking on the trip, noting that, if presented with a second chance, he would continue with his trip till he reaches Europe.