The Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has rescued 29 children and vulnerable persons and arrested six suspects during a targeted anti-child exploitation operation carried out at Otolo, in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The victims, aged between six and 44 years, were rescued as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat child trafficking, street hawking, child labour, and other forms of child exploitation across Anambra State.
Angel Network News (ANN) gathered that the six suspects are currently in custody and are alleged to have been directly involved in the exploitation of the rescued victims. Investigations are ongoing.
Speaking on the operation, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
“We will not fold our hands while children are exploited, trafficked, or subjected to any form of abuse within Anambra State,” she said.
The commissioner commended the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area for his prompt cooperation, which contributed to the success of the operation.
“I must also use this opportunity to call on the Ebonyi State Government to take decisive action to caution its citizens, as the pattern of abuse cases linked to them is becoming a matter of serious concern.
” Our children deserve protection, and we will continue to act with urgency and firmness to ensure that,” Onyekesi stated.
.She further stressed that the ministry remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding every child and vulnerable person in the state and will continue to pursue perpetrators of child exploitation with the full force of the law.
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations have revealed a concerning pattern of child abuse cases allegedly involving persons from Ebonyi State.
It therefore urged the Ebonyi State Government to take proactive measures to address the situation, noting that the increasing number of such cases continues to undermine child protection efforts in Anambra State and requires urgent attention.
