Edo agency boss reveals reason families are rejecting rescued trafficking victims

By Jethro Ibileke/Edo

Most rescued victims of trafficking in Edo State were being rejected by their family members because they did not return home with money or any material benefit.

The Director-General of Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA), Mr. Lucky Agazuma, disclosed this over the weekend speaking with journalists.

Agazuma spoke shortly after a stakeholder dialogue on migration and reintegration with Non-Governmental Organization, Civil Society Organisation, Religion leaders organised by International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA).

He described the situation as the biggest challenge for rescued victims as their families reject them when they fail return home with nothing.

He, however, disclosed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance to human trafficking and is doing everything possible to curb it.

This is even as he called on the local communities to promote safe migration rather than irregular migration where victims are subjected to inuman treatment.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Migration Agency boss has disclosed that the agency secured the conviction of 35 traffickers.

He also more than 393 trafficked victims were rescued and returned to Edo State in 2025.

According to him, among the rescued victims were 365 female, 20 children and eight.