The Akwa Ibom state government says it has handed over 44 Ghanaian nationals rescued from two human trafficking camps in the state to officials of their home country.
A statement by the state government press unit on Friday
said the victims comprised 27 males and 17 females.
The statement said they were rescued from the camps at Umo
Ekpo, Ifuho community in Ikot Ekpene LGA; and Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo
LGA.
Emem Ibanga, commissioner for humanitarian affairs in the
state, underlined the commitment of the government to safeguard lives and
protect the environment, emphasising that the safety of lives and property
remains a top priority, with sustained investment in security infrastructure
and logistics for effective operations.
Ibanga said the government intends to strengthen
collaboration with security agencies and ensure zero tolerance for human
trafficking, kidnapping, and other organised crimes.
“This successful operation is not an isolated achievement.
It reflects the deliberate and strategic commitment of Governor Umo Eno towards
safeguarding lives and maintaining a secure environment for all residents,” he
said.
Ibanga said the victims were held in unhealthy conditions
after being defrauded, coerced, and lured into the state with promises of
better opportunities in Europe.
She explained that the state government provided care and
support for the victims and initiated processes for their safe return to Ghana
to reunite with their families.
The commissioner commended the Department of State Services
(DSS) and other security agencies for dismantling the syndicate and securing
the victims’ release.
Meanwhile, Leslie Lawson, an official of the Ghana High
Commission, expressed gratitude to the state government for the rescue efforts.
Lawson also assured that the victims would be reunited with
their families.
He urged the victims to support awareness campaigns by
Ghana’s ministry of youth and sports against human trafficking and irregular
migration.
Gideon Yeboah, one of the victims held hostage at the Ifuho
community camp in Ikot Ekpene since February 25, said he was defrauded of
30,000 cedis.
TheCable had reported that the Ondo state police command
arrested several suspects as part of a transnational human trafficking
syndicate operating within the state.
The police rescued 14 victims in two major operations in the
state.
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