BENIN—Edo State Government has said that European countries have a big role to play in curbing the menace of human trafficking, adding that it was ready to partner with the German government to combat the scourge.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole stated this when he granted audience to a German delegation led by the Consul-General of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Driesch.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Pally Iriase, said that Edo State was blessed with natural resources and wondered why anyone would allow herself to be trafficked.

The Governor, however, noted the culpability of some European countries in the menace, saying “it takes two to tango. We are not enjoying stigmatization that has arisen as a result of some of our daughters being involved in this ignoble act of human trafficking.

“We are well travelled and we know that if you find yourself in a place and there is no conducive atmosphere in which to ply your trade, certainly nobody will tell you to scamper back. But on our part, we are not resting on our oars. It is an on-going war that is being waged relentlessly here.”

Lamenting the treatment being meted out to Nigerians as a result of this shameful act, Oshiomhole said “we are not also happy with the  suspicious eyes with which they look at Nigerians.”

The Governor assured the German delegation of the full support of the Government, adding government would take a look at their findings will a view to benefiting from it.

In her remark, Coordinator of the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffick in Persons and Other Related Matters, Barrister Olufunke Abiodun noted that the issue of human trafficking is a global menace and a product of development, commending the Federal Government’s response to the issue.

The Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Walter von den Driesch in his remarks, commended the people of the State for their hospitality.

According to him, “we have seen the beauty, the nice atmosphere of the people and I can say that Benin-City is a place to be.”