Trending 
It was an emotional gathering on Thursday as a 20-year-old girl from Edo State, Iwinosa Okunrobo, who had been trafficked to Burkina Faso, was reunited with her family thanks to the intervention of Governor Monday Okpebholo, which led to her rescue.
Okunrobo was reportedly deceived into believing she could find better opportunities and was trafficked to Burkina Faso when she was just 15 years old.
With the help of the Office of the First Lady and the Edo State Migration Agency, Governor Monday Okpebholo took action to ensure her safe return after a TikTok video featuring the victim went viral, in which she begged for help.
During her time in Burkina Faso, Iwinosa was allegedly coerced into prostitution and sold into slavery for years before being rescued and reunited with her family.
The reunion event, held on Wednesday at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, saw Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirm his administration’s commitment to enforcing laws strictly against human trafficking.
Rt Hon Samson Osagie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, represented Governor Okpebholo at the ceremony, stating that this was another significant achievement for Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration in prioritising the welfare and security of Edo citizens around the world.
He remarked that this case is a reminder that many young individuals continue to fall victim to the perils of illegal migration and human trafficking, instigated by heartless individuals.
At the welcoming ceremony, Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, expressed her happiness over the successful rescue and highlighted that Miss Iwinosa’s experience exemplifies resilience.
She assured that the government would offer Miss Iwinosa the essential care and support needed to aid her recovery from her traumatic experience.
Mrs. Anani advised mothers against exerting undue pressure on their young children by placing family obligations on them, emphasising that Iwinosa’s story should serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks of human trafficking and the need to safeguard children from exploitation.
Mrs. Imuetiyan Osabuoyen, the mother of the rescued girl, thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for bringing her daughter home, while denying any knowledge of her daughter’s trafficking circumstances.
Mr. Lucky Agazuma, Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, who travelled to Burkina Faso to facilitate her safe return to Nigeria, praised the commitment of Mrs. Anani and Governor Monday Okpebholo for their assistance in her return.
He urged parents not to succumb to societal pressure, which he noted can be one of the motivating factors. He vowed that the victim would receive proper rehabilitation and integration into society.
