Ebonyi State Takes In 28 Rescued Child Labour Victims from Anambra.

Government promises rehabilitation, education, and family reunification for victims aged 6 to 20.

The Ebonyi State government has officially taken custody of 28 child labour victims who were rescued from exploitation in Anambra State, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

The handover took place at a rehabilitation home in Ugwuachara, Abakaliki, according to Felicia Nwamkpuma, the state's commissioner for women affairs and social development.

How the Rescue Happened:

The operation was triggered by a viral video that exposed children being forced into labour in Anambra State. Following public outrage, authorities moved quickly to rescue the victims, who range from just six years old to young adults aged 20.

Most of the victims 24 in total hail from Ikwo Local Government Area, while the remaining four come from Ezza South.

What's Next for the Rescued Children?

Commissioner Nwamkpuma outlined a comprehensive rehabilitation plan:

· Skill acquisition programmes to help older victims learn trades and become self-sufficient

· Free education through the state government's initiative for school-age children

· Family tracing and reunification in collaboration with local government chairmen

"We have continued to sensitise, encourage and advise parents to take responsibility for their children. Stop embarrassing the state government," Nwamkpuma said, urging parents to step up.

The Dark Reality of the Exploitation:

The victims were being used by a syndicate operating in Nnewi, an industrial town in Anambra, where they were forced into street hawking.

According to Obiora Onunkwo, a social welfare officer from the Anambra Ministry of Women Affairs, the operation came to light when one of the young hawkers collapsed from hunger while on duty.

Chibundu Anyigor, an 18-year-old whose parents are allegedly part of the syndicate, revealed that victims were recruited to sell kanda meat for his parents, uncles, and aunts. Some of the children actually lived with these families.

"They were caught on the street by the Anambra Vigilance Group while hawking during school hours," Onunkwo added.

Arrests and Investigation:

Six suspects are currently in police custody in Anambra as investigations continue into the child labour ring.

Emmanuel Nkwuda, head of the child protection department, promised proper follow-up to ensure the children are safely reunited with their families and don't fall back into exploitation.

"We will follow up to ensure a proper handover from the LGA chairmen to their parents to avoid their return to Anambra," Nkwuda stated.

He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and Ebonyi indigenes to support the state government's rehabilitation efforts.