The Borno State government has raised alarm over the increasing prevalence of prostitution among former Boko Haram captives, citing it as a critical social issue that demands immediate attention.
Lawan Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the plight of these individuals, many of whom experienced severe sexual exploitation during their captivity. The commissioner described the situation as dire, especially in the local government areas of Bama, Banki, and Gwoza, where the issue is most pronounced.
Wakilbe shared a particularly distressing encounter involving an 11-year-old girl with three younger children under her care, underscoring the devastating impact of the crisis. He also revealed that Cameroonian authorities had recently repatriated young girls aged 13 to 15, many of whom already had multiple children.
The commissioner attributed the rise in prostitution to factors such as poverty, a lack of viable survival options, and the traumatic experiences these individuals endured. He emphasized the urgent need for reintegration programs and robust support systems to address their vulnerability and help them rebuild their lives.
The statement comes against the backdrop of a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Borno. This includes the abduction of 276 girls from Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok on April 14, 2014. While some of these girls have been freed, the insurgency led by Boko Haram has left lasting scars on the region.
Since 2009, Boko Haram’s campaign of terror has resulted in over 50,000 deaths and the displacement of more than two million people in Nigeria’s northeast. Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by former captives is seen as a crucial step in healing the region and fostering long-term recovery.