The Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA), Mr. Lucky Agazuma, has revealed that many rescued trafficking victims in Edo State face rejection from their families for returning home without money or material benefits.
Agazuma made the disclosure over the weekend while speaking with journalists shortly after a stakeholder dialogue on migration and reintegration. The event brought together Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations and religious leaders and was organised by International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA).
He described family rejection as one of the most pressing challenges confronting rescued victims, noting that some families turn them away when they return empty-handed.
Despite the situation, he stated that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo maintains zero tolerance for human trafficking and is intensifying efforts to combat the menace.
Agazuma also urged local communities to encourage safe and legal migration pathways rather than irregular migration, which often exposes victims to inhumane treatment.
Providing further updates, the EDMA boss disclosed that the agency secured the conviction of 35 traffickers. He added that more than 393 trafficked persons were rescued and returned to Edo State in 2025.
According to him, the rescued individuals include 365 females, 20 children and eight others.
