The Anambra State Government has rescued 13 children from the clutches of suspected child traffickers in Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the
Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, also led to the arrest of a middle-aged woman allegedly running a child trafficking cartel.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare’s Media Aide, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, identifying the suspect as Angela Okechukwu from Umuzumbala, Umuzu Otolo Nnewi.
According to the statement, the taskforce confiscated fake documents reportedly used in the trafficking operations.
The rescued children, aged between two and 12 years, were found malnourished, denied access to education, and subjected to poor living conditions.
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly adopted and sold the children to individuals across various parts of the country.
Speaking on the incident, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Celestine Anere, confirmed the arrest of Okechukwu and some of her collaborators.
He described the children’s health conditions as deeply troubling, reiterating the government’s commitment to stamping out criminal activities in the state.
“The poor health condition of these children, aged between two and 12, is a great concern. The state government will continue to crack down on all forms of illegality.
“We warn all criminal-minded individuals to relocate from the state or face the full wrath of the law,” Anere stated.
Residents of the area, including Ikechukwu Nnabuike and Ifechukwu Okoro, commended the government’s swift intervention.
They recalled previous unsuccessful attempts to apprehend the suspect and expressed relief that the illegal activities had finally been halted.
“This swift action by the government is commendable. It’s a significant step toward eradicating child trafficking in our community,” Nnabuike said
(PUNCH)