Edo migration agency records over 30 human trafficking cases

… vows tougher crackdown

The Edo State Migration Agency (ESMA) has said that it had more than 30 human trafficking–related cases at various stages of investigation and trial in line with the resolve of Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to eradicate crime in the state.

The Director-General of ESMA, Lucky Agazuma, made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking at an end-of-year press conference in Benin City, Edo State, where he outlined the agency’s achievements over the past year.

Agazuma attributed the agency’s successes to the commitment and determination of Governor Okpebholo to safeguard the dignity, safety, and well-being of Edo citizens, both at home and abroad.

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He noted that since assuming office, the agency had recorded significant milestones, stressing that human traffickers and their collaborators were increasingly facing the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others involved in the inhumane 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.

Providing statistics for the year under review, Agazuma disclosed that eight cases had been charged to court, 17 were under investigation, while two cases had been closed and resolved.

He added that 20 returned migrants were recorded within the period, adding that the number of internally trafficked persons rescued, as well as raids carried out by the agency, stood at 482.

This was just as he had assured that the state government would remain relentless in its fight against human trafficking and illegal migration.

“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,” he said.

Agazuma also disclosed that another case involving a pregnant trafficking victim, identified as Odion, who was trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire, “is currently under investigation.”

He 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,” he added.