The Ebonyi State Government has commenced efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and reunite with their families a number of children from the state who were identified among victims rescued during a recent anti-child exploitation operation in Oromo, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, following the circulation of a viral online video highlighting the operation.
According to the statement, the ministry acted immediately after receiving official notification from the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, regarding the presence of the Ebonyi children among those rescued.
The commissioner said the Ebonyi Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, working in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, had already initiated arrangements for the immediate repatriation of the affected children to the state.
She explained that the intervention would also include comprehensive rehabilitation, enrolment in meaningful skills acquisition programmes where appropriate, and safe reunification of the children with their families.
Nwamkpuma reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women, children and other vulnerable persons across the state, stressing that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against child trafficking, exploitation, sexual abuse and all forms of gender-based violence.
She noted that the swift response reflected the commitment of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's administration to protecting vulnerable groups through its People's Charter of Needs agenda, which prioritises child welfare, social protection and human development.
The commissioner called on members of the public to remain vigilant and support government efforts by promptly reporting suspected cases of child trafficking, abuse, exploitation and violence against women and children.
She assured residents that the state government would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that every child from Ebonyi grows in a safe, secure and dignified environment.
