The Edo State Government has intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal elements with the arrest of 29 suspected female commercial sex workers in Benin City.
The operation was carried out by the Edo State Migration Agency (EDMA) as part of a renewed crackdown on human trafficking, exploitation, and other related crimes.
The Director-General of EDMA, Hon. Chief Lucky Agazuma, disclosed the arrests while addressing journalists in Benin City, noting that the agency remains committed to sanitising the state.
Agazuma said preliminary interviews conducted by the agency revealed that the suspects were not indigenes of Edo State but had migrated from other parts of the country to use Edo as their operational base.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate the infiltration of the state by persons whose activities tarnish its image, especially the reputation of Edo women.
“The activities of these commercial sex workers have, in the past, contributed to the negative stereotype against our women.
“This is unacceptable, and we are determined to redeem the image of the Edo woman, who is known to be industrious, responsible, and business-minded,” Agazuma stated.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to making the state unconducive for traffickers and sex workers, stressing that the government’s resolve is supported by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s reforms and youth reorientation programmes.
Agazuma lauded the governor’s interventions in education and youth empowerment, noting that many of the state’s skill development and funding initiatives are designed to protect young people from exploitation.
The EDMA boss called on youths in the state to take advantage of government-backed programmes in education and entrepreneurship, rather than fall victim to predators who exploit vulnerable individuals.
He also called on traditional and community leaders, as well as other stakeholders, to support efforts aimed at eliminating human trafficking and commercial sex work in the state
