ABSTRACT
This research work was designed to study theimpact of socio-economic condition on the spread of human trafficking in Edo State, using Ugbowo as a case study. The specific objectives of the study were to examine what constitute the concept of trafficking in person in Ugbowo locality, evaluate the state of socio-economic condition in relation to human trafficking in Ugbowo locality, ascertain the effects of human trafficking as a result of socioeconomic condition of people in Ugbowo locality, proffer solution to the problem of human trafficking in Ugbowo locality. Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study.
Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study consists of all individuals residing within Ovia North East local government area of Edo State. The sample of this study was made up of population from Ovia North East local government area. The population residing within Ugbowo metropolis was particularly focused. One hundred (100) respondents were selected from the sampled local government as respondents, using the convenient random sampling technique. The analysis of data was done using simple percentages and frequency.
Findings from this study showed that lack of adequate legislation, human rights, political stability and peace system are some factors constituting the concept of human trafficking, prevalence of high rate of poverty, unavailability of jobs and relief materials are some socio-economic condition of the people, human trafficking affects the physical and mental well-being, destroys the image and prestige of persons and affect adversely the general health condition of individuals involved, improving children’s access to educational and vocational opportunities and increasing the level of school attendance, in particular by girls and minority groups, enhancing job opportunities, developing programmes that offer livelihood options for the people and encourage gender sensitization and education on equal and respectful relationships between the sexes, thus preventing violence against women are some solutions to the problems of human trafficking amongst the people.
