Edo State Govt Provides Support For Underage Victims of Human Trafficking
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin City
The Edo state government, through its office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has reassured its commitment towards combating the growing rate of human trafficking, protecting human rights and guaranteeing zero tolerance for perpetrators of human rights in the state.
Representing the First Lady, the Chief Protocol Officer of the First Lady, Mrs Mabel Obeto, has vowed to provide support to a 14-year-old victim of human trafficking at Aduwawa Garage in the Uhunwode Local Government Area.
It was discovered that the 14-year-old who hails from Jos, Plateau state, was trafficked from Jos to Ghana alongside two of her friends under false promises of job opportunities.
The victim shared her experience in an interview, explaining how the traffickers intended to exploit them as sex workers, take them to unknown locations and force them to inhale substances, which left them disoriented and unconscious.
Mrs Anani reiterated the state’s commitment towards the protection of human rights. She said, “I want to assure you that we will not tolerate human trafficking in our State. We will work tirelessly to prevent it, to protect its victims, and to prosecute its perpetrators.
“To the brave young girl who shared her story with us today, I want to say that you are not alone. We are here for you, and we will support you every step of the way. Your courage inspires us, and your resilience gives us hope.”
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice, and the 14-year-old is currently receiving care and support at the Daisy Danjuma Women’s Centre in Benin City through the efforts of the Edo state government and its relevant agencies.
