The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody 29 rescued children and young persons, along with six suspects, as part of intensified efforts to combat child trafficking, street hawking, child labour and other forms of child exploitation across the state.
The victims, aged between six and 44 years, were on Sunday received from the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for profiling and further investigation.
The six suspects identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo were arrested in Nnewi and are alleged to have been linked to the exploitation of the victims.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the profiling exercise is aimed at establishing the identities of the victims and suspects, determining the circumstances surrounding the alleged exploitation, and facilitating the possible reunification of the rescued persons with their families and states of origin where necessary, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
He warned that child labour and street hawking expose children to grave dangers, including trafficking, abuse, neglect and other criminal activities, stressing that anyone found culpable would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner also urged parents, guardians and members of the public to desist from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the risks associated with street hawking.
He encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders to safeguard the rights of children, ensure justice for victims and strengthen measures against child exploitation across Anambra State.
Tags: Anambra Police, Child Trafficking, Child Labour, Nnewi, Crime
