In a renewed effort to combat human trafficking and promote safe migration, the Edo State Government has condemned the recent trafficking of 18-year-old Faith Joseph from Okpokhumi Community in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, to Mali. The condemnation, issued through the Office of the First Lady, underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and enforcing justice.
Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking. She assured that perpetrators would face the full weight of the law and emphasized collaboration with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to identify traffickers and support victims.
The Edo State Migration Agency, under Chief Lucky Agazuma, highlighted past successes in combating human trafficking, including rescuing and rehabilitating victims trafficked from Irrua to Libya, minors sold to Burkina Faso, and young women trafficked to Russia and Ghana. These interventions have helped victims reintegrate into society and reinforced public trust in government efforts.
However, significant obstacles remain. Perpetrators often exploit promises of better employment abroad, using complex networks to deceive families. In Faith Joseph’s case, traffickers lured her through a chain of acquaintances, ultimately leading her to Mali, where she suffered sexual exploitation. Such cases illustrate persistent challenges in tracking traffickers, monitoring migration pathways, and protecting citizens from deceptive recruitment schemes.
The father of the victim, Mr. Joseph Moses, recounted the distressing ordeal, noting that two suspects had been apprehended while efforts continue to arrest a third. The Office of the First Lady has directed that the case be further handled by the Edo State Migration Agency to ensure comprehensive investigation and victim support.
While Edo State has made measurable progress in rescuing and rehabilitating victims, experts caution that continued vigilance, community awareness, and robust law enforcement are critical to sustaining these achievements. In the broader context, the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria reflects ongoing social and economic challenges, highlighting the need for coordinated action at state and national levels to protect citizens and uphold human rights.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
📩 info@stonereportersnews.com | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments