July 30, 2024
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has said that the trajectory on human trafficking in Edo State has reduced significantly in recent years.
Wintana Tarekegn, the Head of IOM, Benin office, disclosed this during an event held on Tuesday in Benin to commemorate the 2024 World Human Trafficking Day.
The event was organised by IOM, in collaboration with Genius Hub, to showcase a unified effort in combating human trafficking.
Tarekegn, represented by Aigbeze Uhinwen, the Senior Project Assistant, IOM, said through joint efforts, IOM had rescued trafficked victims all over the world back to the country.
Tarekegn stated that IOM had also created awareness against human trafficking to reduce the scourge in the state.
“Edo used to top the chart of states with the highest numbers of human traffickers and victims of irregular migration.
“This event served as a reminder of the importance of collective action in eradicating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.
“The continuous partnership between organisations like Genius Hub and IOM is crucial in this ongoing battle, ” she said.
The event featured streaming of a movie that depicting the harrowing experiences of trafficked individuals and the antics of traffickers.
The movie, titled Omoatana, vividly illustrated the suffering and trauma faced by victims during their sojourn for greener pastures.
Mrs. Isememe Whyte, the Chief Innovation Officer, Genius Hub, emphasised the severe dangers human trafficking poses on the society.
Whyte highlighted the psychological, physical, and social impacts, while urging the community to stay vigilant and informed.
She noted that the movie was aimed at raising awareness to reduce irregular migration by portraying real-life struggles and the dangers inherent in irregular migration.
According to her, the film sought to deter potential victims from falling prey to traffickers. (NAN)
