Edo Governor Vows: ‘No Citizen Must Die Unjustly’—Launches Radical Anti-Migration Plan

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at curbing irregular migration, human trafficking, and related injustices that have deeply affected communities in the state. According to iReporter Online, the governor made this commitment through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, emphasizing that “no Edo person must die unjustly.”

The initiative is spearheaded by the Edo State Migration Agency, which is driving what officials describe as a multi-sectoral and human-centred approach to migration governance, community safety, and economic reintegration.

Governor Okpebholo stated that his administration is working to protect the dignity and lives of Edo citizens both at home and abroad. He stressed the urgent need to break the cycle of dangerous migration routes through the Sahel and prevent citizens from falling victim to modern slavery and human trafficking rings.

Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, noted that the agency has adopted collaborative strategies involving faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, civil society actors, and international partners. He praised the administration for being the most proactive in Edo’s history in addressing migration challenges with such policy depth and urgency.

Agazuma also revealed that the administration has carried out notable rescue and repatriation missions involving victims trafficked to Libya and Burkina Faso. A recent landmark operation led to the arrest and prosecution of a native doctor accused of administering oaths to victims of trafficking, further demonstrating the state’s resolve.

The government has also introduced two flagship models—S³ (See it, Say it, Sort it), which encourages public whistleblowing of trafficking and exploitation, and R³ (Re-admit, Rehabilitate, Reintegrate), a reintegration initiative providing psychosocial care, vocational training, startup support, and long-term rehabilitation for returnees.

In a broader effort to reshape public perception, the agency has launched safe migration awareness campaigns targeting young people and returnees. Many, officials say, are misled by the flashy lifestyles of returnees from Europe, unaware of the harsh realities faced abroad.

In outreach to the international community, the agency has engaged more than 20 foreign embassies, especially those of European Union member states, to advocate for more humane migration frameworks. These include reduced visa costs, simplified legal channels for migration, and stronger international cooperation on migration control.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that his administration is committed to restoring hope, dignity, and economic opportunity for Edo’s youth, and will continue to invest in sustainable migration policies that put people first.