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Lagos State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Child Trafficking

Published

1 month ago

Feb 2, 2025.

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating child trafficking and the illegal buying and selling of children within the state.
The event aimed to raise public awareness on the prohibition of child trafficking, also witnessed the handover of several children rescued by the Nigeria Police Force to the Ministry

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating child trafficking and the illegal buying and selling of children within the state.

Eko Hot Blog reports that at a press briefing held on Friday at the Zone II Police Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, highlighted the government’s firm stance against these criminal activities.

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The event, which aimed to raise public awareness on the prohibition of child trafficking, also witnessed the handover of several children rescued by the Nigeria Police Force to the Ministry.

Mr. Ogunlende praised the Police for rescuing five children – Marvelous Obi (M, One-Year-Old), Promise Ifekwuna (M, Three-Year-Old), Somtochukwu Onyemaechi (M, One-Year-Old), Chibuzornma Onyemaechi (F, Three-Year-Old), and Praise Chukwu Ibezim (M, Six-Year-Old) – from a notorious child trafficking syndicate led by Sunday Okputu.

Lagos State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Child Trafficking

He stated, “Today’s gathering is a celebration of the positive results of collaboration. There is power in working together. This event also sends a strong message to those involved in this despicable trade: the buying and selling of children in Lagos State is illegal.

They must cease this activity immediately. It will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The government of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of every child in Lagos. Children deserve to grow in a safe and nurturing environment”.

In his address, DCP Ajao S. Adewale attributed the successful rescue operation to the strong collaboration between the Police, local communities, and various agencies.

He emphasized that this joint effort aligns with the community and intelligence policing mandate given to the Zone II Police Command by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Fayoade M. Adegoke.

DCP Adewale provided additional details on the operation, stating that it was conducted under the leadership of CSP Ngozi Braide.

The operation was initiated based on intelligence received by the Command on January 8, 2025.

“Intelligence revealed that this syndicate specialised in the buying and selling of newborn babies, toddlers, and children of various ages.

The syndicate was led by Sunday Okputu, who supplied the children, while Ibezim Chioma (F) acted as a middle person and caregiver, and Chinasa Echelibe (F) was responsible for caring for the children before they were passed on to their prospective buyers”, he added.