The Edo State Government through its Office of the First Lady, has reaffirmed its commitments toward combating the menace of human trafficking, protecting human rights and emphasising zero-tolerance for perpetrators of human rights violation in the State.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the Chief Protocol Officer, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Mabel Obeto, made the pledge while offering supports to a 14-year-old victim of human trafficking (name withheld) at Aduwawa Garage in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
Mrs. Anani while reiterating the State’s zero tolerance policy on human rights violation, said, “I want to assure you that we will not tolerate human trafficking in our State. We will work tirelessly to prevent it, to protect its victims, and to prosecute its perpetrators. To the brave young girl who shared her story with us today, I want to say that you are not alone. We are here for you, and we will support you every step of the way. Your courage inspires us, and your resilience gives us hope.”
She reassured the 14-year-old, who hails from Jos, Plateau State, of her safety and offered words of encouragement. In an interview, the victim shared her experience of being trafficked from Jos to Ghana, along with two of her friends, under false promises of job opportunities. She revealed that their traffickers intended to exploit them as sex workers, saying they were taken to an unknown location and forced to inhale substances which left them disoriented and unconscious.
The 14-year-old is currently receiving care and support at the Daisy Danjuma Women Centre in Benin City, through collaborative efforts of the Edo State Government and its relevant agencies. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the incident to bring the perpetrators to justice.
