The Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs has handed over 29 rescued children and six suspects to the Anambra State Police Command as part of an intensified crackdown on child labour, street hawking, human trafficking and other forms of child exploitation across the state.
The suspects and victims, aged between six and 44 years, were transferred to the Police Command on June 29 for profiling, investigation and possible reunification of the rescued children with their families.
According to the Police, the six suspects Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo were arrested in Nnewi over their alleged involvement in exploiting the children.
The Command said the profiling exercise is aimed at establishing the identities of the victims and suspects, determining the circumstances surrounding the alleged exploitation, and facilitating collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection organisations to ensure the children’s safe return to their families and states of origin where necessary.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
He warned that child labour and street hawking expose children to grave dangers, including trafficking, neglect, abuse and other criminal activities, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Police Commissioner also appealed to 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 urged residents to promptly report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation or neglect to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency channels.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders to safeguard children’s rights, ensure justice for victims and strengthen efforts to eliminate child exploitation across the state.
