Dr Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, has strongly condemned the trafficking of underage Nigerian girls to Côte d’Ivoire, expressing deep concern over the situation.
In a statement personally signed and shared with journalists on Saturday, Onyema pledged that Air Peace would fly the girls back to Nigeria at no cost.
His response follows a revelation by social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who disclosed on Thursday that over 1,200 Nigerian girls—many underage—are currently stranded in Côte d’Ivoire after being trafficked there.
A viral video showed the influencer consoling young girls crying and speaking in Hausa. He also called on the Nigerian government to act, warning that he would hold the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, accountable if nothing was done within a week.
Reacting to the outcry, Onyema emphasised the urgent need for collective action to end human trafficking, describing it as “inhumane, callous, and ungodly.”
“We must all rise against any form of trafficking,” he stated. “Air Peace is ready to bring these girls home free of charge. Beyond that, we’ll ensure they receive full medical attention at Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja—also at no cost.”
Onyema called on the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate the girls’ assembly and contact the airline. He also urged the Federal Government to provide educational support and assist in reuniting the girls with their families.
