Oba of Benin accuses several church leaders of encouraging the trafficking of Edo citizens

OBA of Benin His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II has blamed some church leaders for the high rate of human trafficking and illegal migration from Edo State that has resulted in it producing the highest number of Nigerian prostitutes in Europe.

In what is now becoming a serious concern for the Nigerian government, Edo State has become notorious for sending young women to work as prostitutes in Europe. Despite several initiatives introduced to arrest the trend, Edo State continues to top the list when it comes to illegal immigrants and several European governments have brought this to the attention of the Nigerian embassies in their domains.

Speaking yesterday when he received the spiritual leader and general overseer of the Spirit and Life Family Bible Church, Apostle Deborah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede, in his palace in Benin, Oba Ewuare II,  said reports indicated that some church leaders are encouraging human trafficking and illegal migration, instead of discouraging encouraging it. He bemoaned the increasing rate of crime and other anti-social vices in the society, even with the proliferation of churches in the country, adding that, that was an indication that there is no fear of God in the people.

Furthermore, the monarch, who called on church leaders to help discourage illegal migration and trafficking of the youths, revealed that his palace would continue to align with the government to eradicate the menace in the society. Oba Ewuare, however, commended the work of the federal government and International Organisation on Migration for their efforts to expose the illicit trade and rescue Nigerians subjected to inhuman treatment in Libya.

He told his guests that the Oba Ewuare II Foundation has been established to meet the needs of the poor and less privileged in the society, adding that it is the desire of the palace to make Edo State a destination of choice for everyone by ensuring the safety of lives and property. In addition, the monarch said the palace would collaborate with security agencies to ensure crime is kept as its lowest ebb in the state in order to make it conducive for investors, thereby creating employment and development.

Apostle Gordon-Osagiede, said she was at the palace to acknowledge the good works of the oba since he ascended the throne, especially the abolition of the Community Development Association, which she described as a landmark achievement. She commended the monarch for the peace and tranquillity in the Benin Kingdom and expressed the hope that during the reign of Oba Ewuare II, it would experience more peace, progress and development.