The Commander of the Ebonyi State Neighborhood Watch, Prince Victor Chibuoyi Nwenyi, has raised alarm over growing cases of teenage trafficking, internet fraud, and misleading job schemes targeting unsuspecting youths across the state.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Abakaliki, Nwenyi recounted a recent incident where his team intercepted over 52 teenagers, mostly boys being transported out of the state under the guise of working for a food supplement company.
Investigations revealed that none of the teenagers’ parents were aware of their whereabouts, nor could the handlers provide a valid office address or operational license.
“What we discovered was disturbing. These young boys and girls were being lured with false promises of becoming millionaires overnight. In reality, they were being trafficked to unknown locations,” he said.
He described the operation as a disguised human trafficking network, noting that such victims often end up in forced labour, sex work, or other forms of exploitation.
Nwenyi urged the public not to patronize individuals selling drugs or food supplements without verified addresses, stressing that legitimate businesses should have shops where complaints and customer concerns can be addressed.
Beyond trafficking, the commander condemned the misuse of social media by some Ebonyi youths, especially those using online platforms to defame government officials and discourage investment in the state.
“It is painful that some of our youths use their phones to destroy the same state that is working to empower them. This attitude is chasing investors away,” he lamented.
He further decried the rise of so-called “content creators” who promote nudity and indecent behavior online, describing such acts as “glorified prostitution” and warning parents to monitor their children's activities on social media.
“A lot of youths parade themselves as content creators, but what they do online is shameful. Parents must rise to their responsibilities and supervise their children’s online lives,” he said.
On internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo), Nwenyi described it as a failed and outdated scam, labeling it a form of “modern-day ritualism” that yields nothing but hardship and wasted futures.
He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru’s commitment to youth empowerment through scholarships, agricultural programs, and overseas training, urging young people to take advantage of these initiatives instead of chasing illegal shortcuts to wealth.
Recalling another case, he narrated how a missing 7-year-old boy was rescued and later reunited with his family after a long search.
“We went through weeks of effort, visiting media houses and sharing photos. Eventually, his family showed up. That’s why I keep saying: parents must not abandon their roles.”
Nwenyi warned parents, especially those with teenage daughters, to be wary of individuals who promise to take their children abroad for “business opportunities,” noting that many of these are traps for sex trafficking.
“Human trafficking is real and active in our society. We must remain vigilant and protect our children at all costs,” he added.
