Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Comrade Chinedu Ogah (OON)
Reps Member rescues 24 Ebonyi children trafficked to Ogun, offers rehabilitation to victims
[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]
Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Comrade Chinedu Ogah (OON) on Wednesday, said his intervention has led to the rescue of 24 children from Ebonyi State trafficked to Ogun State.
The victims before their rescue were being maltreated by their trafficker who engaged them in dehumanizing ventures in Agbara, Ogun State.
The children were 7 females and 10 males, who are between the ages of 14 and 19 years.
Handing over the victims to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Abakaliki, Ogah stated that his Foundation in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development would ensure that the affected children were trained both in school and Skill Acquisition Programmes.
“We got news of child trafficking in Ogun State and when I heard of it, I alerted the town Union of Ikwo Development Union in Lagos. Thanks be to God, they have a listening ear and abandoned their businesses, and I mobilized them to Ogun State, where they spent two weeks, until they were able to locate the children.
“And these children were from Ezza, Ikwo and other parts of the State. And based on the foundation that our Governor has laid, it is our duty to contribute our quota to take care of the welfare of our people. I’m here to handover these children to the Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“We equally want to assure us that we are ready to train any of them that want to go to school to University level. Each of them that want to learn a trade, will be trained and equipped in a particular trade. But it must be properly supervised by the Ministry and my Foundation, of which the Executive Secretary of the NGO is here. I thank the Police and Director of DSS for their involvement and participation.
“On behalf of the Governor of Ebonyi State and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I wish to handover these children who are the future of tomorrow to you. We are going to work in partnership to ensure their rehabilitation.
“The children that were rescued are about 24 but 17 were brought back to Ebonyi State for rehabilitation.”
Receiving the victims, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinwe Okah who appreciated the honourable member for his efforts, which led to the rescue and release of the victims added that her Ministry would ensure the children were given the right kind of treatment for improved welfare.
According to her, the perpetrators of the dastardly act will not go scot-free.
“I want to say that am overwhelmed with what am seeing here today. It takes a good hearted person to do this. For more than a decade, we have not witnessed such a thing from our son or daughter representing us at the National Assembly. You are an exceptional person. I must have to thank you.
“You have done us so proud. We want to assure you that we will monitor then to make sure that these children are trained and properly rehabilitated.”
