Anambra State authorities have uncovered a harrowing case of sex trafficking, with the recent rescue of about 20 girls and women, aged between 16 and 24, forced into prostitution.
The state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, confirmed the rescue, shedding light on the distressing exploitation the victims endured during a raid at Ten Top, a hotel in Oba community, located in the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, rescued through a joint effort by the state’s law enforcement and government officials, revealed the appalling conditions they were subjected to.
They shared their experience of how they were coerced into sleeping with up to 10 men daily and were provided a mere N500 worth of food per day while being held against their will.
Commissioner Ify Obinabo, speaking on the rescue operation, disclosed that a whistleblower’s tip-off regarding suspicious activities surrounding the Ten Top hotel prompted the raid. Investigations conducted by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare unveiled the hotel’s involvement in trafficking girls from various regions across the country for prostitution.
The rescued individuals, recounting their ordeal, expressed being lured to the hotel under false promises, either by friends or relatives who assured them of job opportunities. Instead, they were forced into a life of prostitution and exploitation.
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These victims revealed the existence of different ‘madams’ at the hotel who seized the money earned from their commercial activities. They disclosed paying a daily rent of N3,500, taken from their meager earnings, and how they were obliged to meet daily ‘quota’ by sleeping with multiple clients. Failure to meet these targets often resulted in brutalization and torture.
The rescued victims had their possessions confiscated upon arrival at the hotel, compelling them to work under the threat of release only upon remitting a specified amount of money to their captors within a year.
Following the raid, several suspects connected to the trafficking operation were apprehended and are currently in police custody pending further investigation. The state authorities plan to arraign them before the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate Court.
Commissioner Ify Obinabo expressed determination in seeking justice for the sex victims, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to eradicating trafficking and urging residents to report any suspicious activities promptly.
Despite government efforts to combat sex trafficking, the incident underscores the persistent existence of these criminal activities, leading officials to intensify measures against such heinous practices.