Edo State government has rescued a 20 year old Iwinosa Okunrobo who was trafficked to Burkina Faso with the promise of greener pasture. She is back home, safe and sound, reunited with his family.
Iwinosa who was 15 years old when she was forced out of the country into prostitution and sold into slavery for many years before she cried out in a viral tik tok video where she pleaded to be rescued.
It took the intervention of the State Governor Monday Okpebholo in collaboration with the office of the First Lady and Edo state Migration Agency moved to ensure her safe return
At the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, the Governor reinstated his government determination to ensure that the strict enforcement of the law against human trafficking are enforced to the latter.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, he said the event is yet another demonstration of Okpeholo’s commitment towards paying attention to the welfare and security of Edo citizens wherever they are across the globe.
“Our young daughter, Okunrobo Iwinosa now represents the very many young people who have been unfortunate to be trafficked overseas with the promise of a better life in Europe.
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpeholo is committed to pursuing vigorously the implementation of the extant law; Edo state Trafficking in Persons Law 2018 and to enforce it penal provisions of the law. This law is designed to protect vulnerable women and children who have been most affected by the ugly incidence of human trafficking and illegal migration”.
Coordinator, office of the first Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo who expressed delight at the successful rescue Miss Iwinosa said her story serves as a testament to resilience.
She cautioned mothers against putting their young children under pressure by saddling then with family responsibilities at their tender shoulders adding that Iwinosa’s story is a warning, and an injunction on the importance of protecting children from exploitation.
Mrs Imuetiyan Osabuoyen, 40, Iwinosa’s mother expressed gratitude to the Governor for bringing her daughter back. She denied any involvement or knowledge of how her daughter was trafficked.
The Director General, Edo Migration Agency, Mr Lucky Agazuma, who traveled to Burkina Faso to being Iwinosa home cautioned parents not to be carried away by societal pressure
