In Awka, several girls who were recently rescued from a brothel by security operatives and officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare have come forward, alleging that they pay their madam a daily sum of N40,000 in order to sustain the business.

The young victims, ranging in age from 15 to 25, disclosed that they were obligated to meet nightly returns of N10,000 to N15,000, while being paid a meager sum of N1,000 by each man they engaged with. 

Shockingly, one girl revealed that she was coerced into sleeping with 50 men within a week to meet the required earnings. These survivors further shared that they were brought to Awka by two women, identified as Ifeoma and Chika, who had promised them job opportunities, unaware that they were being trapped into the world of prostitution.

A girl recounted, "Upon arrival at the brothel, the women who brought us confiscated our phones and belongings. We were then handed over to another woman known as Ezenwannyi, who informed us that in order to gain our freedom, we must either pay N150,000 or serve her for a year." She further explained that they managed to contact their families using a whistleblower's phone, who subsequently informed the Ministry of Women Affairs. With the assistance of the police, a raid was conducted on the brothel.

Mrs. Uchechi Friday, a parent of one of the victims, revealed that as soon as her daughter went missing, she reported the incident to the police station in Abakaliki. She expressed her astonishment when she received a phone call from her daughter, leading her to seek assistance from the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare in Anambra State.

Mrs. Friday commended Commissioner Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obinabo for her swift response and encouraged parents to remain vigilant regarding their children's well-being and whereabouts.

In response, Commissioner Obinabo emphasized the determination of the state government to eradicate child abduction, trafficking, and sexual slavery in the region. She mentioned that she had personally reached out to the victims' families and ensured they received medical examinations and necessary care at the hospital. Obinabo further stated that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for a thorough investigation and potential prosecution.