Lawan Wakilbe, commissioner for education, science, technology, and innovation in Borno state has raised the alarm over rising cases of prostitution among former Boko Haram captives.
The commissioner expressed concern over the matter during a courtesy visit by Hamsatu Allamin, chief executive officer (CEO) of Allamin Foundation for Peace, on Friday in Maiduguri.
Wakilbe noted that cases of prostitution are prevalent in Bama, Banki, and Gwoza LGAs, adding that some of the freed victims were exposed to s*xual abuse due to their vulnerability while in captivity.
He said, “I recently encountered an 11-year-old girl surrounded by three children. It was heartbreaking. The Cameroonian authorities repatriated young girls aged 13 to 15 with multiple children.”
“These vulnerable individuals need urgent reintegration and support.”
The commissioner said the spate of sexual abuse could be “attributed to poverty and lack of viable alternatives for survival”.
About 276 girls were kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state on April 14, 2014.
About 57 of the victims escaped on the night they were kidnapped, while three others were later found.
21 victims were released in October 2016 while 82 were released on May 6, and more have been freed over time.
