This special edition of the weekly update spotlights human trafficking in the Niger Delta with a focus on illegal breeding, kidnapping and sale of children for illegal adoption and ritualistic purposes. According to data (see map below), over 60 human trafficking incidents were reported in the Niger Delta between January 2019 and March 2022. Recent data indicates a resurgence of illegal breeding, kidnapping, sale and trafficking of children in the region. In April 2022, for instance, the police reportedly arrested 10 child trafficking suspects and rescued five underage girls at a brothel in Otokutu community, Ughelli South LGA, Delta State. The girls were reportedly trafficked from Cross River State and kept in the brothel for sexual exploitation. In May 2022, a 5-year old girl was reportedly kidnapped by her 30-year old aunt and sold for six hundred thousand naira in Omagwa community in Ikwerre LGA, Rivers state. Recently, on July 10, 2022, the police reportedly arrested two child trafficking suspects and rescued three pregnant women at a ‘Baby Factory’ (illegal maternity home) in Okpanam town in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
The post Niger Delta Weekly Update for July 17-23, 2022 appeared first on PIND Foundation.
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