Police rescue 35 teenagers ‘used as sex slaves’ in Anambra

The Anambra police command says its operatives have rescued 35 teenagers “used as sex slaves” at a hotel in the state. 

Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra police spokesman, announced the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He said the teenagers, aged between 14 and 17 years, were made to engage in acts such as prostitution and forced to have babies.

Ikenga added that three suspects were arrested, while four of the girls are pregnant.

“Following a rigorous analysis of crime trends and pattern, the coperatives on 13th June, 2022, working on information, busted a hotel named Gally Gally in Nkpor where they use children between the ages of 14 years to 17 years as sex slaves, for prostitution and baby factory,” the statement reads.

“The operatives rescued 35 girls and four of them are pregnant. The police also arrested three persons namely: Mrs Ifeoma Uzo, ‘F’, 35 yrs, Chidiebere Alaka, ‘M’, 28 years and Nweke Chidiebere.

“We recovered three pump action gun, seven cartridges and cash sum of eight hundred and seventy-seven thousand, five hundred naira (#877,500).

“The suspects arrested are being interrogated with a view to eliciting information on their involvement and unmasking other gang members.

“We also have NAPTIP here, whom we shall hand over the victims for the welfare and rehabilitation of the children. All suspects will charged to court at the end of investigations.”

Ikenga also advised parents and guardians to have a deliberate relationship with their children and wards to help them monitor “unforeseen issues and bad company”.