By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Edo State Government has successfully rescued and reunited a 20-year-old lady, Iwinosa Okunrobo, with her family after she was trafficked to Burkina Faso at the age of 15.
Miss Okunrobo was lured with promises of better opportunities abroad but ended up trafficked and stranded in the West African country for five years. Her case gained attention following a viral TikTok video in which she pleaded for help.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, through a coordinated effort involving the Office of the First Lady and the Edo State Migration Agency, ensured her safe return. A reunion ceremony was held at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City to welcome her back.
Speaking at the event, the governor, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking.
“Our young daughter, Okunrobo Iwinosa, now symbolizes many other victims of human trafficking. The state government remains committed to enforcing the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Law of 2018 to protect vulnerable citizens, particularly women and children,” Osagie stated.
The coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo, expressed joy over Iwinosa’s return and pledged government support to help her heal and reintegrate into society.
Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, who travelled to Burkina Faso to bring Iwinosa back, commended the collaborative efforts that made the rescue possible. He also warned parents against being deceived by false promises of opportunities abroad.
“This case reminds us of the dangers of illegal migration. We must protect our children from traffickers who exploit desperation and ignorance,” Agazuma said.
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