Monarch wants task force to combat human trafficking, irregular migration

The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has advocated the establishment of Royal Palace Task Force to combat human trafficking and irregular immigration in the country.

The monarch made this statement when the Swedish Ambassador, His Excellency, Carl Michael Grans paid a courtesy visit to his palace, along with Swedish Television team.

Oba Ewuare II, who sued for Swedish Embassy’s collaboration, said the proposed task force should comprise members of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Oba Ewuare II Foundation.

According to him, the organisation would be saddled with the responsibilities of embarking on advocacy enlightenment campaigns to rural areas in Edo State.

Recalling the events that propelled him to revoke curses placed on human trafficking victims by their traffickers in 2018, the traditional ruler said as Nigeria Ambassador to Rome, Italy, he got closer to the then endemic problem of prostitution and human trafficking, which put Africa in disrepute and bad perspective.

He said activities of very few women, referred to as ‘Madams,’ formed themselves into cartels that dehumanised, frightened and threatened their victims because of their greed, selfishness and monetary interests.

The Swedish Ambassador expressed Swedish Government’s deepest appreciation to His Royal Majesty for the revocation of oath placed on trafficking victims, and the efforts in fighting illegal migration in Nigeria.