…….reaffirms commitment to humanitarian protection and anti-trafficking drive
Kingsley Ohens reporting
The Edo State Government has successfully facilitated the return of three trafficked Nigerian citizens from Burkina Faso, reinforcing its sustained commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable indigenes both within and outside the country.
The rescued victims—two women and one man—were received at the Benin Airport by the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, who described the operation as a clear reflection of the proactive leadership and humanitarian orientation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
According to the agency, one of the victims, identified as Precious, reportedly suffered visual impairment during her ordeal in Burkina Faso, while another victim, Peace, endured physical assault. The third returnee, Evans Enwata, was also rescued after experiencing severe hardship under exploitative conditions.
Speaking with journalists at the reception, Agazuma disclosed that the Okpebholo-led administration has strengthened institutional mechanisms not only for the rescue of trafficked persons but also for their comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He noted that Governor Okpebholo has consistently demonstrated compassion and an unwavering commitment to human development, stressing that structured rehabilitation and empowerment programmes for returnees have become a defining feature of the current administration’s social protection framework.
“This rescue is a clear demonstration of the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo to the welfare and dignity of Edo people, no matter where they find themselves,” Agazuma stated.
He further emphasized that the government has intensified efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks operating within and beyond the state, confirming that several arrests have already been made in ongoing enforcement operations.
“We have also stepped up actions against traffickers. Arrests have been made, and we will not relent. Anyone involved in human trafficking should desist or be ready to face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
Agazuma also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support for humanitarian initiatives, as well as to the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, for her continued backing of the agency’s operations.
Speaking on behalf of the rescued victims, Evans Enwata expressed profound gratitude to the Edo State Government for securing their release and giving them renewed hope.
“I thank the Edo State Government and the governor for rescuing me. What we went through over there is not something anyone should experience,” he said.
He further advised young Nigerians to desist from irregular migration routes to countries such as Burkina Faso, describing the experience as perilous, exploitative, and deeply traumatic.
The development underscores the sustained efforts of the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo to combat human trafficking, strengthen citizen protection frameworks, and provide structured rehabilitation support for victims of exploitation.
The press statement was officially signed and issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele (PhD), Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, dated Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
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