BREAKING NEWS: Ahoada West LGA Chairman Receives Three Rescued Ekpeye Girls, Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Human Trafficking

BREAKING NEWS: Ahoada West LGA Chairman Receives Three Rescued Ekpeye Girls, Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Human Trafficking

The Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle, JP, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting children and combating human trafficking following the successful rescue and return of three young girls from Ekpeye communities who were allegedly trafficked under the guise of employment opportunities.

The girls were officially received at the Ahoada West Council Secretariat in Akinima on July 21, 2026, during a gathering attended by the Council Secretary, members of the Legislative Arm, management staff, traditional rulers, security personnel, and other government officials.

How the Rescue Operation Unfolded

The incident reportedly came to public attention on July 16, 2026, when Mr. Isaac Nzimiro of Ombor Community received a distress call from his younger brother, Mr. Chigala Thompson. The call revealed that Thompson’s daughter, Chigala Destiny, along with two other girls from Ahoada West LGA, had been located in Badagry, Lagos State, after being trafficked under false promises of employment.

Acting swiftly, Mr. Nzimiro contacted relevant security authorities, leading to the identification and protection of the victims by the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos. Following their rescue, arrangements were made for their safe return to Rivers State.

Mr. Nzimiro subsequently informed the Ahoada West Chairman about the situation and sought assistance to facilitate the victims’ return. In response, Hon. Epelle approved financial support to cover transportation and logistical expenses, ensuring the girls were reunited with their families safely.

Victims Recount Their Experience

While addressing officials at the Council Secretariat, the rescued girls narrated how they were lured with promises of legitimate jobs as sales attendants in Port Harcourt. Instead, they were transported to Lagos and later taken to Badagry, where they reportedly realized they were being moved toward Nigeria’s international border.

The rescued victims were identified as:

• Goodluck Rejoice (16) – Upatabo Community
• Hope Happiness (16) – Upatabo Community
• Chigala Destiny (20) – Ombor Community

The victims disclosed that individuals known to their families allegedly facilitated their movement. Information gathered from their testimonies has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force as investigations continue.

Chairman Condemns Human Trafficking

Reacting to the incident, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle described human trafficking as a grave crime that threatens the dignity, safety, and future of young people.

He emphasized that the Ahoada West Local Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking, child exploitation, and all related criminal activities.

The Chairman commended Mr. Isaac Nzimiro and the Nigeria Police Force for their vigilance and swift response, noting that their intervention prevented what could have become a tragic cross-border trafficking case.

Directive for Thorough Investigation

Hon. Epelle directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Akinima Police Division to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He urged security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals connected to the trafficking network in accordance with the law.

New Measures to Strengthen Child Protection

As part of efforts to prevent similar incidents, the Chairman announced plans to engage the Legislative Arm of the Council in strengthening local frameworks for combating human trafficking and improving child protection mechanisms across Ahoada West LGA.

He also introduced a new directive requiring parents or guardians who intend to send their children outside their communities for employment, apprenticeship, or related engagements to notify their respective traditional rulers (Eze Nwe Ula) beforehand.

According to the directive, proper documentation, including photographs and identification details of both the child and the accompanying individual, will be maintained to enhance accountability and assist security agencies when necessary.

Call for Community Vigilance

The Chairman called on parents, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth organizations, and community leaders to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to security authorities.

He reaffirmed that safeguarding the lives of children and other vulnerable persons remains a top priority of his administration and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to eradicate human trafficking and other forms of organized crime within Ahoada West Local Government Area.

Credit: Awelga Press Unit