The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the Federal Government through the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service to work with Libyan prison authorities to repatriate Nigerian women held in Libyan prisons along with their children born behind bars.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made the call while moving an additional prayer to a motion sponsored by Senator Etim Bassey Aniekan on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery, and human rights abuses in Libya.
According to her, many of the Nigerian women currently languishing in Libyan prisons were victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation who fled captivity, only to face further abuse while in detention.
“The Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service should liaise with the Libyan Prison Authorities to repatriate Nigerian female prisoners and their children who were born in Libyan prisons,” she said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that several of the women were subjected to sexual assault by prison officials, leading to pregnancies and childbirths within prison walls.
“These innocent children are of Nigerian descent and should not be made to suffer for circumstances beyond their control,” she added.
The motion received backing from the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who seconded the additional prayer.
