From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP) Anambra State Command has rescued a sixteen year old nursing mother suspected to be a victim of human trafficking at Mgbakwu in Awka North L.G.A of the state.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NAPTIP in Anambra State, Mr Anthony Okafor revealed this in a press statement.
He said that the agency achieved the feat in a joint operation with Ministry Of Women And Social Welfare and Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) Awka.
The victim identified as Chioma Obi gave birth three days before her rescue in an uncompleted building at Mgbakwu, where she was harboured by the suspected trafficking syndicate.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate was already hatching plans to sell the new born baby as they did the two other children of the victim.
The victim who claimed that she hails from Enugwu-Ukwu appears to be mentally unstable and has over the years been allegedly used by the gang which operates from an uncompleted building at Mgbakwu to give birth to babies which the sell on delivery.
The Public Relations Officer of NAPTIP Anambra State Command pointed out that the command is on the trail of the suspects to apprehend the syndicate and as well rescue the already sold children of the victim.
Mr Okafor said the victim and her child are currently in protective custody, where they are undergoing counselling and rehabilitation at a shelter provided by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.