From Ifeoma Ejiofor Nnewi
A special taskforce comprising of Anambra State government officials, in collaboration with police operatives, on has rescued twenty girls girls, including two underaged who were forced into prostitution.
The girls were rescued when the team raided a hotel in Oba community, Idemili South LGA of the state.
Sources claimed that the underage girls were taken to hospital for medical examination and possible treatment by the government officials.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo speaking shortly after the operation commended the efforts of the security operatives in helping to rescue the girls.
Obinabo vowed to ensure that justice is served, while lamenting that despite the state government’s efforts to stop human trafficking, some unscrupulous elements are still engaging in such illicit act.
She said, “Before embarking on this raid, the investigation was carried out by the ministry, and it was discovered that the management of the hotel by the name ‘Ten Top’, Oba traffics girls from all parts of the country for prostitution purposes.
“The state government is committed to ending all forms of child kidnapping, trafficking and sex slavery in the state and we urge ndị Anambra to always report any suspicious activity around their vicinity for prompt response and action.”
Some of the rescued girls between the ages of 16 and 24 years who spoke to journalists claimed that they were lured to the hotel by either friends or relatives on false promise to secure them jobs in the hotel while, on the contrary, they were trafficked.
The victims disclosed that the person who brought them to the brothel usually seized their phones and other belongings before handing them over to another woman who told them that they would only be released if they brought a certain amount of money to her or served her for one year.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Anambra State command Ikenga Tochukwu (DSP) while confirming the development said that the perpetrators have been arrested and that they would be charged to court after investigation is completed.