36 persons in Police custody over alleged child labour, street hawking in Anambra

By Madu Obi

Thirty - six persons, aged between six and 44 years, are currently in the custody of the Anambra State Police command over allegations of child labour and street hawking.

The command said six of the people are suspects received from the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs, adding that they are undergoing profiling as part of efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the state.

According to the command, the individuals comprised 29 rescued children/young persons, while the six suspects whose names were given as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo, were arrested in Nnewi.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said they were allegedly linked to the exploitation of the children before being handed over to the Police to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, and investigations.

"The exercise is aimed at establishing their identities, determining the circumstances surrounding their involvement, and ensuring the possible reunification of the victims with their families and respective states of origin, where necessary", he said

He added that it is being carried out in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders.

Ikenga reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation, emphasizing that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities.

He assured that anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He further urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the dangers associated with street hawking and encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station.

The command also pledged its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of children, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation across the state.