In its resolute stance against human trafficking and as part of ongoing efforts to combat the menace and promote safe migration and societal order in Edo State, the State Government through the Office of the First Lady, has vehemently condemned the recent case of an 18-year-old Miss Faith Joseph, who was allegedly trafficked from Okpokhumi Community of Afuze in Owan East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, to Mali.
In an interview at the Government House in Benin City, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, emphasizing that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration has zero tolerance for such crime and assured that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.
”We will not tolerate any form of human trafficking in Edo State. Our Government is committed to ensuring that perpetrators face justice and our citizens are protected from this menace. We will work tirelessly with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to identify and prosecute traffickers, and provide support to victims”. Mrs. Anani assured.
The Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Chief Lucky Agazuma, noted that the Agency, in collaboration with the State Government, has successfully handled various human trafficking cases, which included that of a victim trafficked from Irrua to Libya as well as rehabilitating, and reuniting her with her family, the case of minors sold for N900,000 and trafficked to Burkina Faso, rescuing of Miss Iwinosa, who was trafficked to Burkina Faso, whose traffickers were prosecuted, some cases involving victims trafficked to Russia and Ghana, among others.
He assured that Miss Faith would also be rescued, rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, disclosing that plans were being made to rescue a young man from Orhionmwon Local Government Area, who was allegedly poisoned by his friends in Burkina Faso and is currently suffering from dementia.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and assured that those responsible for such heinous crimes would face justice.
The father of the victim, Mr. Joseph Moses, recounted how two of the suspects, now apprehended by the Edo State Police Command, initially presented a deceptive opportunity for their daughter, promising a better life abroad, narrating how they recommended her to a friend in Benin City, who in turn, recommended her to another friend and owner of a large shop in Lagos, ostensibly for employment with a good salary.
However, after Faith embarked on the journey to Lagos on August 15, 2025, her parents lost contact with her. About two weeks later, Faith managed to contact her younger sister in Abuja, revealing the shocking truth that she had been trafficked to Mali and subjected to sexual exploitation.
Two suspects, Mrs. Dorcas Ohioze and Mrs. Fije Oloigbe, have been arrested and questioned on their level of involvement in the case and efforts are underway to apprehend the third suspect. Meanwhile, the Office of the First Lady has directed that the case be referred from the Criminal Investigative Department of the Edo State Police Command, to the Edo State Migration Agency for further handling.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani.
