Tears in Imo: 12 Children Rescued from Ruthless Trafficking Syndicate

Twelve children aged between 5 and 13 have been rescued by the Imo State Police Command following the arrest of a suspected child trafficking kingpin, 42-year-old Ann Ngozi Enyenwa.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, on Sunday, the arrest occurred during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road on June 20. The suspect, who hails from Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, was found in possession of several minors under suspicious circumstances.

Enyenwa allegedly trafficked the children from Ngor-Okpala in Imo to Aba, Abia State, where they were forced into street begging. The proceeds from their activities were reportedly sent to a facility identified as Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State, where the suspect claimed she was employed.

Upon arrest, the suspect confessed to being part of a wider child trafficking network exploiting minors under the guise of charity. Further investigation revealed that the children were trafficked and used as beggars on the streets of Aba in the name of raising funds for a motherless babies’ home.

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The rescued children have been identified as:
Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10), Favour Madufor (13), Ugochi Pius (13), Ifeanyi Pius (9), Favour Timothy (10), Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7), Chinaza Madufor (10), Nneoma Timothy (9), Promise Maduenyenwa (5), Gospel Chibuike (9), Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11), and Chinonso Paul (10).

The Police confirmed that the children are currently in safe custody and are receiving care. Efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to identify and reunite them with their biological families.

The Command has urged members of the public who may recognise any of the rescued children or have useful information about their identities or families to assist the Police. Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the following contact numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155.

Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the heinous act and reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and eradicating all forms of child trafficking and exploitation in the state. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course.