PROSTITUTION: Anambra Government Rescues 20 Girls, Including Two Teenagers, from Brothel
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, has led a rescue operation that saved approximately twenty girls, aged fifteen to twenty-five, from a brothel in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state. The raid was conducted in collaboration with the police following a tip-off from a concerned informant.
Among the girls rescued, two are teenagers, and the Commissioner has ensured that they receive immediate medical examinations and necessary treatment.
The ministry’s investigation revealed that the hotel’s management had trafficked girls from various parts of the country for prostitution.
Following the operation, Hon. Obinabo expressed her gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, for their assistance in rescuing the girls. She lamented that despite the state government’s efforts, some individuals continue to flout the law.
Obinabo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating all forms of child kidnapping, trafficking, and sex slavery within the state. She encouraged Anambra residents to report any suspicious activities in their vicinity for swift response and action.
The rescued girls, aged 16 to 24, shared their experiences, explaining that they were brought to the brothel by a friend or relative under the pretext of securing a hotel job for them. However, they were trafficked and forced into prostitution. The individuals who brought them to the brothel confiscated their phones and belongings and handed them over to another woman. These victims were informed that they would only be released if they earned a specific amount of money or served the woman for a year.
In terms of earnings, they disclosed that they made between 4,000 and 10,000 naira on weekdays and 15,000 to 30,000 naira on weekends. These earnings were taken by their respective supervisors.
Regarding their daily expenses, they mentioned that they received 500 naira every morning for food, which had to sustain them for the entire day. Food was provided by security personnel stationed at various areas of the hotel.
The rescued girls also revealed that they were compelled to have sexual encounters with around 10 men each day to meet their imposed targets, or else they would face severe beatings from their madam.
The suspects involved in this illegal operation have been arrested and will be brought before the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate Court in Awka.