The Anambra State Government, through its Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has taken action against alleged human trafficking in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area. A couple and an accomplice were handed over to the police following information provided by community chairman Mr. Arinzechukwu Azodo, as announced in a statement by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the Women Affairs Commissioner, on Facebook.

Mr. Azodo informed Women Affairs Commissioner Ify Obinabo about a suspected trafficking incident reported by his team commander. Acting on instructions, he promptly facilitated the arrest of the suspects.

Upon apprehension, it was revealed that the suspects were involved in a transaction valued at one million naira. One of them, Ebere, confessed to being approached by another suspect, Temple Nwankwo, who allegedly proposed selling her twin baby. Ebere admitted agreeing to assist Temple in finding a buyer for the child. However, Temple denied any involvement in the transaction.

According to the statement, "Ebere said she agreed to collaborate with Temple and introduced her to a prospective buyer urgently seeking a male child. They planned to finalize the deal at Oye Agu. However, Temple demanded immediate payment of one million naira into her account, causing disagreement as the buyer had not yet seen the baby."

Regarding Temple's role, she claimed that Ebere had sought her help in acquiring a male child due to her own infertility issues. Temple asserted she had warned Ebere against involving her in such matters and accused Ebere of visiting her home in her absence, meeting her daughter despite warnings.

Further investigation revealed community accusations against Temple and her husband, Ndubuisi Nwankwo, alleging involvement in human trafficking. Questions arose when Temple claimed her two children were deceased, with suspicions raised due to inconsistencies in her account of their burial.

The statement continued, "Some community members alleged Temple and Ndubuisi Nwankwo are trafficking children, as they have not seen some of her children for a long time. When questioned about their whereabouts, the couple claimed the children had died, but they could not provide details of witnesses to their burial."

Expressing concern over the situation, Commissioner Obinabo handed the suspects over to the police for thorough investigation and prosecution. She emphasized the state government's determination to combat human trafficking and urged the public to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to the ministry.

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