Anambra govt moves against use of underage girls in brothels…

The Anambra State Government on Tuesday warned brothel operators to stop using underage girls to run their businesses or face prosecution.

The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare in the state, Ify Obinabo, gave the warning in Awka on Tuesday while reacting to the rescue of 12 girls from brothels in the state capital on Sunday.

The ministry, in collaboration with the police, rescued the 12 girls, some as young as 15 years, in a raid at a guest house in Amawbia on 18 June.

“Anambra government is committed to putting an end to all forms of child kidnap, trafficking and sexual slavery in the state.

“We got a tip-off and during the raid, we discovered that three out of the 12 girls are underage girls who were trafficked into Anambra from other states.

“We are warning brothel operators in Anambra. They should desist from using underage girls in running their businesses or face the full wrath of the law.

“The owner of the brothel has been arrested and the case will not be treated with levity as it has been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for investigation,” Mrs Obinabo said.

She added that the girls had been taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment and their families had been contacted.