By Nkechinyere Ewa
Ikwo Chairman Vows Tough Action Against Child Traffickers After Rescue of 24 ChildrenNkechinyere EwaThe Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo, has vowed to intensify the fight against child trafficking, child labour and all forms of child abuse following the rescue and reunion of 24 trafficked children from the council area.
Nwankwo made the declaration at the Ikwo Local Government Headquarters while receiving the rescued children, who were brought back from Anambra State after they were allegedly trafficked and subjected to severe child labour and abuse.
The council chairman condemned what he described as the alarming trafficking of 28 children from Ebonyi State to Anambra State, describing the act as inhumane and a direct attack on the future of the state’s children.
He pledged to strengthen security across Ikwo Local Government Area to prevent a recurrence and ensure that children remain in school, in line with the free education policy of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
“It is very unfortunate that at a time His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, is working tirelessly through the People’s Charter of Needs to provide opportunities for every Ebonyi child, some criminal elements are sabotaging these efforts and tarnishing the image of the state through their nefarious activities,” Nwankwo said.
He assured that the alleged trafficker would face the full weight of the law, revealing that the suspect was already in police custody for investigation and prosecution. He added that the Ebonyi and Anambra State Governments were collaborating to ensure that everyone involved in the crime is brought to justice.
Following the reception, the rescued children were taken to the palace of the traditional ruler of Amegu Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness Isaiah Otubo, where they were formally reunited with their families.
One of the rescued children, Ogodo Uchenna, expressed gratitude for the intervention and promised to return to school under the state’s free education programme.
It would be recalled that the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Felicia Nwankpuma, on July 1, 2026, received the 28 children from the Anambra State Government after they were rescued from alleged child trafficking and exploitation. A suspect, Mr. Sunday Anyigo, was reportedly arrested in connection with the crime.
Of the 28 rescued children, 24 are from Ikwo Local Government Area and have now been reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to reunite the remaining four children from Ezza North Local Government Area with their relatives.