Air Peace to evacuate trafficked Nigerian girls from Côte d’Ivoire free of charge
By Jeffrey Agbo
Nigeria’s largest carrier in West and Central Africa, Air Peace, has announced plans to evacuate Nigerian girls who were recently trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire —offering them free flight tickets, medical care, and reintegration support.
Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, made this announcement in response to a viral outcry raised by social media personality Martins Otse alias VeryDarkMan, who spotlighted the plight of the underage girls trapped in exploitative conditions in Côte d’Ivoire.
Condemning the heinous act of trafficking, Onyema described it as “inhumane, callous, and absolutely ungodly,” calling for national unity in fighting the scourge of human trafficking.
“We must all rise and reject trafficking of any kind. It is a tragic display of man’s inhumanity to man, and we cannot stand by in silence,” Onyema said in the statement.
As part of its intervention, Air Peace will fly the trafficked girls back to Nigeria at no cost. Furthermore, Onyema revealed that the airline will also sponsor their full medical examinations and treatments at Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos — completely free of charge.
“We are not stopping at repatriation. We are committed to helping these girls recover physically and mentally, starting with comprehensive medical care,” he emphasized.
Onyema called on the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to urgently identify and assemble the victims for evacuation. He also urged the Federal Government to assume responsibility for the girls’ rehabilitation and education to help them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
“While we await the Embassy’s cooperation in coordinating their release and contacting us, we implore the Federal Government to step in and ensure these girls receive the education and care they deserve,” he appealed.
This bold commitment by Air Peace not only signals a lifeline for the victims but also sets a strong example of corporate responsibility and compassion in the face of injustice.
Air Peace has consistently championed social causes, supported job creation and enhanced economic integration within Nigeria and beyond.
As the largest airline in West and Central Africa, the company said it remains steadfast in its vision of fostering prosperity through reliable air travel, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in global aviation.
The firm further said that by integrating philanthropy with its corporate vision, it continues to redefine aviation’s role in national and regional development, ensuring that travel is not just about moving from one destination to another but about unlocking potential and shaping futures.
