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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
More than 30 human trafficking-related cases are currently at various stages of trial and investigation by the Edo State Migration Agency (ESMA).
The Director-General of the Agency, Lucky Agazuma, who disclosed this while speaking at an end-of-year press conference in Benin City, where he outlined the agency’s achievements over the past year, said eight cases have been charged to court, 17 are under investigation, while two cases have been resolved and closed.
He said 20 returned migrants were recorded within the period, while the number of internally trafficked persons rescued, as well as raids carried out by the agency, stood at 482, assuring that the state government would remain relentless in its fight against human trafficking and illegal migration.
Agazuma attributed the agency’s successes to the commitment and determination of Governor Monday Okpebholo to safeguard the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of Edo citizens, both at home and abroad.
He said since assuming office, the agency has recorded significant milestones, stressing that human traffickers and their collaborators are increasingly facing the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others involved in the inhuman and illegal trade.
The ESMA boss warned parents and youths, particularly during the festive season, to be vigilant and not fall victim to traffickers who parade ill-gotten wealth to lure unsuspecting young people with false promises of greener pastures in Europe and other parts of the world.
He disclosed that in February 2025, the agency received a distress call alleging that underage girls were being trafficked from other states to Benin City for prostitution.
“Following the report, the agency carried out a raid and rescued several underage girls who had been trafficked and forced into prostitution. Their madams were arrested during the operation. Investigations revealed that about 99 per cent of the sex workers involved were from other states,” Agazuma said.
He also spoke of another case involving a pregnant trafficked victim, identified as Odion, who was trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire, saying the matter is currently under investigation.
Agazuma explained that Odion, who was due for delivery, was sent back to Nigeria to stay with her mother but later returned with her grandmother without a baby.
“Investigations revealed that an individual operating an illegal medical store allegedly administered drugs to Odion during labour, leading to the death of the baby. The matter is still under investigation,” the ESMA boss said.
