Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Migration Agency has given the reason behind the rejection of many human trafficking rescued victims by their family members when they returned, saying that, it is because they didn’t come with money.
The Director-General of the agency, Mr Lucky Agazuma, disclosed this while addressing journalists after a stakeholders’ dialogue on migration and reintegration.
Truth Live News Media reports that the event, put together by the International Returns and Reintegration Assistance, brought together non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and religious leaders.
Mr. Agazuma described family rejection as one of the most difficult problems facing rescued victims, stressing that some relatives turn them away when they return home without money or material gain.
He said the state government under Governor Monday Okpebholo maintains a zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and is intensifying efforts to combat the crime.
He further urged communities to encourage safe and lawful migration pathways, warning that irregular migration often exposes victims to inhuman treatment and exploitation.
Providing updates on the agency’s activities, Agazuma said 35 traffickers were convicted in 2025, while more than 393 trafficked persons were rescued during the same period.
He added that the rescued victims included 365 women, 20 children and eight men.
