Izzy Ogbeide Speaks on Trafficking in Italy: ‘Churches Knew What Was Happening’

A Nigerian social media personality, Izzy Ogbeide, has sparked widespread discussion online after sharing her experience about prostitution and human trafficking involving Nigerian women in Italy.

In a video posted on her social media page, Ogbeide claimed that when she and other young Nigerian women were involved in prostitution in Italy, many churches including some owned by Africans were aware of what was happening but allegedly failed to help.

According to her, religious leaders in the area knew that young women were being trafficked into prostitution but did not take meaningful action to intervene.

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“When we were involved in prostitution in Italy, churches never helped us, especially Black-owned churches. They knew about it and even took part in it,” she said in the video.

Ogbeide further alleged that some pastors in Italy were aware that Nigerian girls were being trafficked but did nothing to stop it.

She added that the only organization that consistently reached out to them was the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which she said provided basic health support.

“The only organization that reached out to us was the Red Cross, which provided condoms,” she said.

Her comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock at the allegations while others pointed out that human trafficking involving Nigerian women in parts of Europe has been documented for years.

Over the past two decades, several international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, have reported that thousands of Nigerian women were trafficked to Europe, particularly to Italy, where many were forced into prostitution under harsh conditions.

Many victims were reportedly subjected to debt bondage and threats from trafficking networks, making it extremely difficult for them to escape.

However, Ogbeide’s claim that churches were aware of the situation and failed to help has not been independently verified, and it represents her personal account of events during that period.

The video has nonetheless reopened conversations about the role communities, religious institutions, and authorities play in addressing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable migrants abroad.

As the discussion continues online, many Nigerians are calling for deeper investigations into trafficking networks and stronger support systems for victims trying to rebuild their lives.

“When We Were Involved In Prostitution In Italy, Churches Never Helped Us Especially Black-Owned Churches. They Knew About It And Even Took Part In It. Pastors In Italy Were Aware That Young Girls Are Being Trafficked, Yet They Do Nothing. The Only Organization That Reached Out… pic.twitter.com/ngl7um9c6Z

— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) March 13, 2026