The Chairperson of the Edo Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, has received 4,764, who illegally left Nigeria in two years.
Omorogbe, who is also the State Attorney General, unveiled the figure at a one-day workshop for female journalists organized by the Edo Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Of the number, Omorogbe said 3,261 were males, 1,322 females and 181 children.
She disclosed that a survey showed that about 80 percent of those who migrated overseas did that independently, while 18 percent were recruited by sponsors and two percent for other reasons.
She also said that the survey showed that the major causes for irregular migration included gender inequality, poor working conditions and unemployment.
Other major causes, she said were ignorance, decay of societal morals and values.
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, who spoke at the event, described human traffickers as people driven by greed.
Shuaibu, wh was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Musa Ebomhiana, said the theme of the workshop “Best Strategies to Report Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery and Irregular Migration” was apt.
He said that in recent times, human trafficking and irregular migration had become a menace and source of worry.
According to him, it is on record that the cartels behind the modern day slavery are unpatriotic elements in society, who capitalise on the ignorance and resolve of people to seek greener pastures abroad.
He called on all well-meaning citizens to join in the fight against what he called “evil against humanity”.
Earlier in her remarks, Ms. Flora Bossey, State Chairperson of NAWOJ, said human trafficking had given the state a bad name.
Bossey, who said the issue was a global problem, also stressed that coordinated effort was required to curb it.
MM/GIK/APA