Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has confirmed that teenage girls from the state who were trafficked to Nnewi in Anambra State have been rescued and reunited with their families.
Governor Nwifuru disclosed this at his Oferekpe country home during the celebration of Oferekpe Day, held at the community playground.
The governor told Journalists that beyond rescuing and reuniting the girls with their parents, the state government is making arrangements to rehabilitate and empower them to become self-reliant.
It would be recalled that a viral video circulated on social media showing 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 stand by and watch citizens of the state being trafficked 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.
“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,” he said.
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 undergoing their BSc programmes, adding that the institution is fully operational.
“The ICT University is alive. Students have been admitted, and academic activities are ongoing. While addressing my people, I encouraged them to take advantage of the institution.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the smooth take-off of the university, and learning is already in progress,” Nwifuru stated.
On efforts to curb drug abuse in the state, the governor noted that lack of education has significantly contributed to the menace. He assured that his administration is intensifying enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of drug abuse.
“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.
