The Ebonyi State Government has commenced the process of repatriating, rehabilitating and reintegrating Ebonyi children rescued during a recent crackdown on child exploitation in Anambra State.
The intervention follows the circulation of a viral video exposing the exploitation of the children, prompting swift action by the governments of Ebonyi and Anambra states to safeguard their welfare.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Abakaliki.
According to the commissioner, the ministry immediately activated the rescue and reintegration process after receiving official notification from her Anambra State counterpart, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, whose ministry coordinated the rescue operation.
The children were among those rescued during an operation in the Otolo area of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where security and government officials uncovered cases of child exploitation.
Nwamkpuma said the Ebonyi State Government is working closely with the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, to ensure the safe return and proper reintegration of the affected children into their families and communities.
She explained that beyond bringing the children home, the government would provide psychosocial support, rehabilitation, enrolment in skills acquisition programmes and other empowerment initiatives aimed at giving them a fresh start in life.
“This swift intervention reflects the commitment of the Ebonyi State Government to protecting the rights, dignity and future of every woman, child and vulnerable person in the state,” the commissioner stated.
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance stance against child trafficking, child labour, exploitation, sexual abuse and all forms of gender-based violence, Nwamkpuma said the welfare and protection of women and children remain central to Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
She added that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development would continue to strengthen child protection systems, social welfare programmes and human capital development initiatives to guarantee a safer environment for every child in Ebonyi State.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to support the government’s efforts by promptly reporting cases of child trafficking, abuse and exploitation to relevant authorities, stressing that collective action is essential to ending crimes against children.
