The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially handed over 44 Ghanaian nationals, rescued from human trafficking camps within the state, to officials of their home country, reinforcing its commitment to combating human trafficking and safeguarding lives.
A statement from the Government Press Unit on Friday confirmed that the victims, comprising 27 males and 17 females, were rescued from camps located in Umo Ekpo and Ifuho communities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, as well as Ekpri Nsukara community in Uyo Local Government Area.
The handover ceremony involved Mr. Leslie Lawson, an official of the Ghana High Commission, who received the victims on behalf of the Ghanaian government. Addressing attendees, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, emphasised the administration’s dedication to protecting human lives and maintaining a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
She noted that the security of lives and property remains a central tenet of the state government’s policies, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno. According to Ibanga, the state has continued to invest in security infrastructure and logistics to ensure effective operations, particularly in areas vulnerable to criminal activities such as human trafficking.
“The rescue and return of these 44 victims highlight our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals within Akwa Ibom. Human trafficking is a global menace, and our state will continue to partner with national and international agencies to eradicate it,” Ibanga said.
The victims, who were found in deplorable conditions, were provided with immediate medical attention, counselling, and temporary shelter prior to their repatriation. The government stressed that collaborative efforts with law enforcement and humanitarian agencies have been crucial in locating and dismantling trafficking networks operating in the state.
The handover ceremony not only marked a significant milestone in Akwa Ibom’s fight against human trafficking but also strengthened diplomatic relations with Ghana, reinforcing the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling transnational crimes.
Officials called on communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities, reiterating that proactive community engagement is critical to sustaining security gains and protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
