CHILD TRAFFICKING IN EDO STATE 2000 - 2023

Child trafficking involves the illicit trade of children for various purposes, such as forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Child trafficking is a major problem that still exist both in developed and developing countries around the world including Nigeria.1 The main purpose of this project is to secure the rights of children also known as minors below the age of 18 years, used for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminal activities, sales of organs and adoption. International trafficking in Nigeria is mainly concentrated in Edo State where families try to escape poverty by sending a family member to Italy and other countries. Traffickers often offer women and mirrors to travel to Europe with promises of good jobs with an agreement of incurring debt which takes 1 – 3 years to pay.2 Edo State, the heartbeat of Nigeria has been labeled as the most endemic source of human trafficking particularly in Benin City as it gained notoriety particularly for sexual exploitation. As the world has experienced globalization, the trafficking of human beings most especially minors for sex trade has taken yet another turn. Human traffickers, aware of the risks involved in the trafficking of human beings especially children have set up sophisticated channels and networks for the easy and undetected flow of trafficked children. Irrespective of the intervention by international bodies, non-governmental organization and nation agencies to combat trafficking in Edo State, the region is still a hub for trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation.4 Though in this recent times children are not only trafficked for sexual exploitation but rather more for the extortion of their organs for organ buyers, trafficking of drugs and other illegal products and also for adoption