Okpebholo Unveils Plan To Curb Trafficking, Reintegrate Edo Youths

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has rolled out measures to tackle irregular migration and human trafficking, pledging to reintegrate trafficked youths and restore dignity to affected families.

The government, spearheaded by the Edo State Migration Agency, revealed this in a press release on Monday.

The agency said the measures are focused on building a sustainable system of migration governance and youth empowerment.

Speaking, the Director-General of the Agency, Lucky Agazuma, said the administration is taking a “human-centred” approach to a problem that has devastated thousands of Edo families.

“No administration in the history of Edo has approached irregular migration with this level of commitment and policy depth.

“The Governor has prioritised the safety, dignity, and empowerment of Edo people especially victims of trafficking and returnees,” Agazuma said.

To drive its reforms, the agency launched two flagship frameworks tagged “S³”and “R³”.

The S³ include ‘See it, Say it, Sort it’, a measure that empowers communities to report trafficking or suspicious migration activities.

Also, the R³ include ‘Re-admit, Rehabilitate, Reintegrate’, which is designed to support returnees through mental health services, vocational training, business grants, and mentorship.

Agazuma explained that the models are backed by a statewide structure, with migration desks and field officers operating in all 18 LGAs.

Beyond rescue and reintegration, the state is also leading a grassroots campaign to challenge false beliefs about life abroad, often fueled by returnees who flaunt temporary wealth while hiding the dangers and exploitation they endured.

“Many young people still believe Europe is a bed of roses because of what they see during holiday visits. We’re changing that perception with real stories and honest education.

“The Agency has also opened dialogues with over 20 foreign embassies, especially from the European Union, calling for visa reform, cheaper legal migration routes, and improved access to travel opportunities.

“Under the current administration, several noteworthy rescues have taken place. These include the repatriation of Edo girls trafficked to Libya and Burkina Faso, one of whom was just 14 years old,” Agazuma added.

In another case, the state facilitated the arrest and jailing of a native doctor notorious for conducting trafficking oaths.

The agency now maintains a post-reintegration monitoring system, which ensures that beneficiaries of the government’s reintegration support receive ongoing mentorship, financial coaching, and business branding skills.

“No Edo person must die unjustly. The billions spent on education, hospitals, and jobs are for our people and they must live to enjoy them,” the governor said.

The Edo State Government called on security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society to unite behind this mission and help protect the next generation from trafficking networks and false migration promises.