Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has confirmed the rescue and reunification of teenage girls from the state who were trafficked to Nnewi in Anambra State.
Governor Nwifuru made the disclosure at his Oferekpe country home during the celebration of Oferekpe Day, held at the community playground.
Speaking to journalists, the governor said the rescued girls have been reunited with their families and that the state government is making arrangements to rehabilitate and empower them to become self-reliant.
It would be recalled that a viral video on social media showed about 25 teenage girls, aged between 13 and 16, who were trafficked to Anambra State, where they were allegedly involved in prostitution and other illicit activities. The brothel where they were kept was later exposed, leading to their rescue.
Governor Nwifuru assured that his administration would not tolerate the trafficking of Ebonyi citizens within or outside the country for prostitution or sexual exploitation.
“All the girls seen in the viral video who were trafficked to Anambra State have been brought back and reunited with their parents. They are currently living with their families, and we are working towards their rehabilitation,” he said.
“We do not want to disclose our next line of action for now, but we are determined to clamp down on child and human trafficking to prevent a repeat of such unfortunate incidents.”
The governor also disclosed that academic activities have commenced at the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University, Oferekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area, established by his administration.
According to him, about 200 students are currently enrolled in various BSc programmes, adding that the institution is fully operational.
“The ICT University is alive. Students have been admitted, and academic activities are ongoing. I encouraged our people to take advantage of the institution,” Nwifuru said.
He further stated that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the smooth take-off of the university.
On efforts to curb drug abuse in the state, the governor attributed the menace largely to lack of education and assured that his administration is intensifying enlightenment campaigns to address the challenge.
“We are bringing education closer to our people. Education helps individuals understand the dangers of drug abuse and why it should be avoided. We are committed to reducing drug abuse among our youths to the barest minimum,” he added.
