BENIN: The Governor Monday Okpebholo administration in Edo State, has announced the arrest of a native doctor who specialised in administering fearful oaths on victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.
This was as the administration unveiled a new, multi-sectoral strategy to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, issues that have long plagued the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Fred Itua in a statement on Monday disclosed that the initiative, led by the Edo State Migration Agency, focuses on reintegrating returned victims and creating legal pathways for citizens.
He quoted the Director General of the Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma, as saying that the Governor Okpebholo administration has adopted a “strategic and human-centered approach” to address the crisis.
Agazuma stated that no previous administration has demonstrated such a level of commitment and policy depth to the issue.
“The new policy is built on two flagship models: The S³ Model (See it, Say it, Sort it): This initiative is designed to encourage community members to report suspected cases of trafficking or migration-related crimes.
“The R³ Model (Re-admit, Rehabilitate, Reintegrate): This comprehensive program provides returning migrants with psychosocial support, vocational training, business start-up assistance, and mentorship to ensure their sustainable livelihood within the state”, said the statement.
Agazuma noted that the agency is actively collaborating with faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, and international partners.
It has established functional migration desks and field officers in all 18 local government areas to deepen grassroots engagement and provide data-driven responses.
The agency is also running a comprehensive safe migration education campaign to counter the false belief among many young people that life abroad is easy.
The campaign presents truthful insights into the real challenges migrants often face.
To address the root causes of irregular migration, the agency has engaged with the embassies of over 20 countries, particularly within the European Union, appealing for visa reforms and more accessible legal pathways for travel and work.
“The state government has already recorded several successes under this new approach, including the repatriation and rehabilitation of young Edo girls trafficked to Libya and Burkina Faso.
“A major victory for the agency was the arrest and prosecution of a native doctor notorious for administering oaths to trafficking victims, an act seen as a powerful tool to combat the fear and silence that have long enabled the crime”, the statement added.
Governor Okpebholo has consistently emphasized that his administration is committed to the welfare of all Edo people and that no one should be forced into dangerous journeys.
According to him, the investments being made in schools, hospitals and job creation are for the citizens, adding, “No Edo person must die unjustly.”
