Iwinosa Okunrobo, trafficked to Burkina Faso at 15, has reunited with her family in Edo State after a government-led rescue.
Her return highlights ongoing efforts against human trafficking. Officials pledged full rehabilitation support, while urging parents to protect children from exploitation driven by false promises of a better life abroad.
Iwinosa Okunrobo, a 20-year-old young woman who was trafficked to Burkina Faso at the age of 15, has finally reunited with her family in Benin City, Edo State. Her emotional return was made possible through the efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Office of the First Lady, and the Edo State Migration Agency.
Okunrobo was initially lured away from home with promises of better opportunities abroad. However, instead of the promised greener pastures, she was sold into slavery and forced into prostitution. Her heartbreaking situation came to light after she shared a desperate plea for help in a viral TikTok video. That video eventually led to her rescue and return to Nigeria.
The reunion ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Festival Hall in Edo State Government House. Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly from the growing threat of human trafficking and illegal migration.
Osagie described the occasion as a significant milestone for the administration, highlighting the government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all Edo indigenes, regardless of where they reside. He noted that Okunrobo’s case was a painful reminder of the many young people who fall victim to traffickers promising them a better life abroad.
“Our young daughter, Iwinosa Okunrobo, symbolizes the countless individuals misled and trafficked under the illusion of European dreams,” Osagie stated. He further explained that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to enforcing the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Law of 2018. This law aims to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, from the devastating effects of trafficking and exploitation.
During the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Okpebholo, expressed gratitude for the successful rescue. She described Okunrobo’s survival and return as a story of resilience and strength. She assured the public that the government would provide all the necessary support to help Okunrobo heal and rebuild her life.
Okpebholo also used the opportunity to appeal to parents and guardians, especially mothers, urging them not to pressure their children into becoming breadwinners at a young age. She emphasized that such expectations can expose children to dangerous situations like trafficking. She stressed that Okunrobo’s experience should serve as a wake-up call about the perils of exploitation and the importance of protecting children.
Iwinosa’s mother, Imuetiyan Osabuoyen, thanked Governor Okpebholo and the state government for reuniting her with her daughter. Fighting back tears, she denied having any knowledge or involvement in her daughter’s trafficking ordeal.
Lucky Agazuma, the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, played a direct role in securing Okunrobo’s return by traveling to Burkina Faso himself. He acknowledged the critical support provided by the First Lady’s office and the governor and praised the collaborative efforts that made the reunion possible.
Agazuma warned parents not to be misled by societal pressures or the illusion of quick success, which he identified as one of the key drivers of human trafficking. He assured the public that the government would ensure Okunrobo receives comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration services to help her transition back into society.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective vigilance and stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, reinforcing Edo State’s stance against the exploitation of its youth.
