Anambra Govt arrests six persons for child exploitation, rescues 29 children
Anambra State Government Arrests Six in Child Exploitation Case
NNEWI, Nigeria — The Anambra State Government has apprehended six individuals in connection with child exploitation. The arrests were made by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare, which also rescued 29 children found engaged in street hawking in Nnewi.
According to a press release from the Anambra State Police Command, the six suspects and the rescued children were transferred to police custody for profiling. The children are expected to be reunited with their families.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, reported that the command received a total of 36 individuals, ranging in age from 6 to 44 years, including the six suspects. This initiative is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address child labor, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation.
“The exercise aims to establish identities, assess the circumstances of their involvement, and facilitate the reunification of victims with their families and states of origin, in collaboration with relevant agencies,” Ikenga stated.
The command highlighted the dangers associated with child labor and street hawking, including exposure to trafficking and abuse. It assured that individuals found responsible for these activities would face investigative and legal consequences.
Authorities have called on parents, guardians, and community members to avoid placing children in hazardous work environments or exposing them to street-related dangers.
CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to protecting children and vulnerable populations from exploitation and abuse. He urged residents to report any instances of child abuse, trafficking, or neglect to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
The suspects arrested include Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma, and Moses Anyingo. They were apprehended in Nnewi based on allegations of exploitation and subsequently handed over to the police for thorough profiling and investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders to uphold children’s rights, deliver justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation throughout the state.