A 20-year-old Edo State girl, Iwinosa Okunrobo, who was trafficked to Burkina Faso was on Wednesday reunited with his family following Governor Monday Okpeholo intervention that led to her rescue.
Okunrobo was lured with a promise of greener pasture and trafficked to Burkina Faso when she was 15 years old.
Governor Okpebholo in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and State Migration Agency moved to ensure her safe return after a viral TikTok of the victim surfaced where she pleaded to be rescued.
Iwinosa was forced into prostitution and sold into slavery for many years before her eventual return back to her family.
At the reunion ceremony which took place at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpeholo reinstated his government’s determination to ensure that the strict enforcement of the law against human trafficking were enforced to the latter.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie said the event was yet another remarkable achievement of Okpeholo-led administration towards paying attention to the welfare and security of Edo citizens wherever they are across the globe.
He described the incident as another reminder that a vast majority of young people have over the years fallen victims of the consequences of illegal migration and human trafficking perpetuated by persons who have no conscience.
“Our young daughter, Okunrobo Iwinosa now represents the very many young people who have been unfortunate to be trafficked overseas with the promise of a better life in Europe.
“His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpeholo is committed to pursuing vigorously the implementation of the extant law; Edo state Trafficking in Persons Law 2018 and to enforce it penal provisions of the law.
“This law is designed to protect vulnerable women and children who have been most affected by the ugly incidence of human trafficking and illegal migration,” he said.
Receiving the trafficked victim, the coordinator, office of the first Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo expressed delight at the successful rescue and emphasised that Miss Iwinosa’s story serves as a testament to resilience.
She pledged that the government would provide Miss Iwinosa with the necessary care and support to help her recover from her ordeal.
She cautioned mothers against putting undue pressure on their young children, thereby thrusting family responsibilities onto their tender shoulders.
She added that Iwinosa’s story should serve as a warning, highlighting the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of protecting children from exploitation.
Excited 40-year-old mother of the rescued girl, Mrs Imuetiyan Osabuoyen expressed gratitude to Governor Okpeholo for bringing her daughter back.
She denied any involvement or knowledge of how her daughter was trafficked.
The Director General, Edo Migration Agency, Mr Lucky Agazuma who traveled to Burkina Faso to ensure the victim’s safe return also commended the commitment of Mrs Anani and Okpeholo for their support towards her return.
He cautioned parents not to be carried away by societal pressure which he noted have been identified as one of push factors.
He promised that the victim will be properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society.
