The International Organisation on Migration (IOM) Nigeria, at the weekend, said Edo State has dropped from the top to third on the irregular migration returnees’ chart, while Kano and Lagos come first and second, respectively.

Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, IOM Nigeria, disclosed this in Benin during an interactive session with newsmen on IOM Nigeria’s activities in the country, particularly in Edo State.

According to the Chief of Mission, as of 2017, Edo was topping the list of irregular migration returnees, but with increased awareness campaigns about the dangers of irregular migration, the state has dropped to third place on the chart.

Dimanche, who disclosed that with the help of IOM, over 60,000 migrants have returned and been assisted in Nigeria, said that out of the number, over 9,000 returnees are from Edo.

She said: “Edo was number one on the returnees’ record, but as we speak, the state has dropped to number three. This can be attributed to the increase in awareness campaigns by IOM and its partners.”

“Since 2017, over 9,000 migrants from Edo have been supported to return home safely, and more than 8,000 have received reintegration support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“We have also assisted over 1,100 victims of trafficking, and more than 5,000 people have received psychosocial support to help them recover from trauma.”