In March , she left Nigeria to the francophone country through the help of her aunt. She was told that jobs were waiting for her in the French-speaking country and that once she migrated, she could start making money immediately. But what she was never told was the kind of job that was waiting for her.
She was told not to bother to pack many clothes for the trip because it was not necessary. On the morning of the departure from Nigeria, Rukayat was asked to travel to Ejigbo, a km distance from Iwo, where she would board a bus commuting to Abidjan. They also have the largest population of Nigerians living in the francophone country. It was one of such trips that Rukayat embarked on. However, she said the bus escorts helped her navigate her way through them all.
I was given a tray containing loaves of bread and told to walk past the officials. I saw some bread hawkers and simply joined them to pass through the border. I eventually joined other passengers a few metres from the border post. She said the lady appeared to be in her early 30s. At this point, Rukayat said she was already panicky. Their final destination was a three-storey building with about 12 rooms in total. She said I should not worry about my aunt.
I said I wanted to speak to her, but I was rebuffed. They said I should get ready to resume work soon. I knew immediately that I was not there to do menial jobs, but prostitution. Fortunately, her prayer was answered. I had no choice but to wear the skimpy clothes I was given.
The dress I wore from Ejigbo was torn in my presence. Instantly, I became a friend to the girls. There were other girls who were from Edo, Delta and other states.
