Interrogating the nature and push factors of human trafficking in Benin-city, Edo State Nigeria in the context of the Africa we want

Background: Human trafficking is a global crime which negates the African union agenda 2063 and the aspirations of the Africa we want. Nigeria is notorious as home for most victims of human trafficking. However, few studies exist on the push factors that drive the practice in the area, especially when such knowledge could be very critical in the quest for solutions to this global problem. Data and methods: The study combined qualitative and quantitative methods. Structured questionnaire was given to 300 victims and 25 in-depth interviews from the cohort; 60 opinion leaders, key informants were interviewed and focus group discussions conducted. Findings: Push factors like inheritance rites, serial polygyny/polyandry, belief in witchcraft and weak family support systems were identified as drivers of human trafficking while the abysmal conditions of poverty created vulnerabilities. Conclusion: Inheritance rights should include women and children; conditions of poverty improved and cultural practices that promote vulnerability of women and children discouraged.