Edo Lady Who Was Trafficked To Burkina Faso At Age 15 Finally Reunites With Her Family 5 Years Later

Iwinosa Okunrobo, a 20-year-old who was trafficked to Burkina Faso at the age of 15, has reunited with her family on Wednesday in Benin, Edo State.

Her return was facilitated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, in collaboration with the office of the First Lady and the Edo State Migration Agency.

Okunrobo was lured with a promise of greener pastures but was forced into prostitution after being sold into slavery before her rescue and eventual return to Nigeria.

Her plight in the West African country became public through a TikTok video where she pleaded to be rescued.

At the reunion ceremony, which took place at the Festival Hall in Government House, Benin, Okpeholo reinstated his government’s determination to ensure that the strict enforcement of the law against human trafficking is enforced.

Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, said the event is yet another remarkable achievement of Okpeholo’s administration towards paying attention to the welfare and security of Edo citizens wherever they are across the globe.

He said the incident is another reminder that over the years, a vast majority of young people have fallen victim to illegal migration and human trafficking perpetuated by persons who have no conscience.

He said, “Our young daughter,  Iwinosa Okunrobo, now represents the very many young people who have been unfortunate to be trafficked overseas with the promise of a better life in Europe.

“The governor is committed to vigorously pursuing the implementation of the extant law, Edo State Trafficking in Persons Law 2018, and to enforce its 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”.

Receiving the trafficked victim, the coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Okpebholo, expressed delight at the successful rescue and emphasised that Okunrobo’s story serves as a testament to resilience.

She pledged that the government would provide her with the necessary care and support to help her recover from her ordeal.

She cautioned mothers against putting undue pressure on their young children, thereby thrusting family responsibilities onto their tender shoulders, noting that  Iwinosa’s story should serve as a warning, highlighting the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of protecting children from exploitation.

Forty-year-old mother of the rescued girl, Imuetiyan Osabuoyen, thanked Okpeholo for bringing her daughter back.

She denied any involvement or knowledge of how her daughter was trafficked.

The Director General, Edo Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, who had travelled to Burkina Faso to ensure her safe return to Nigeria, also commended the commitment of the coordinator of the office of the first lady and the governor for their support towards her return.

He cautioned parents not to be carried away by societal pressure, which he noted has been identified as one of the push factors.

He promised that the victim would be properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.