As part of the efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in Anambra State, the Ministry of Women Affairs handed over 29 rescued children and six suspects to the Police Command on Monday, June 29.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the suspects, identified as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo, allegedly linked to the children’s exploitation, were arrested in Nnewi, before being handed over to the Command to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, and investigations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who made this known in a statement, said that the exercise was aimed at establishing the suspects’ identities, determining the circumstances surrounding their involvement, and ensuring the possible reunification of the victims with their families and respective states of origin where necessary, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.
In his comment, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Dr Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
He pointed out that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities, warning that anyone found culpable would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the dangers associated with street hawking.
He also 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 Commissioner of Police assured all of the Command’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of children, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation across the State.
