Child Trafficking: 16-year old Girl Rescued Three Days After Delivery in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

A 16-year old girl suspected to be victim of human trafficking has been rescued by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP Anambra State Command

The victim, identified as Chioma Obi was rescued in joint Operation with Ministry Of Women And Social Welfare and Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) in Mgbakwu,Awka North Local Government Area of the State.

The victim reportedly gave birth three days ago before her rescue in an uncompleted building in the area where she was harboured by a trafficking syndicate.

According to State Public Relations Officer of NAPTIP, Mr. Anthony Okafor, 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. 

He said the Command is on the trail to apprehend the syndicate and rescue the already sold children of the victim. 

“The girl who said she hails from Enugwu-Ukwu appears to be mentally unstable and has over the years been used by the gang which operates from an uncompleted building at Mgbakwu to give birth to babies which the sell on delivery.

“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,” he said.