The Ebonyi State Government, through its internal security agency—Neighbourhood Watch—has intercepted over 52 teenagers, mostly male, who were being trafficked out of the state under the false pretense of job opportunities with a food supplement company.
Prince Victor Chibuoyi Nwenyi, Commander of the Ebonyi Neighbourhood Watch, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abakaliki. He expressed deep concern over the increasing trend of teenage trafficking, cyber fraud, and deceptive employment schemes targeting vulnerable youths in the state.
According to Nwenyi, preliminary investigations revealed that none of the teenagers’ parents knew their whereabouts. Furthermore, the alleged company could not present a verifiable address or any operational license. He described the operation as a sophisticated human trafficking ring masked as a legitimate business.
“What we uncovered was alarming. These young boys and girls were deceived with fake promises of instant wealth. In reality, they were being trafficked to unknown destinations,” he said.
He stressed that many of these victims are later subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other abusive conditions. The command has since launched targeted efforts to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind the operation.
The security chief also cautioned residents against purchasing drugs or food supplements from unregistered vendors or individuals without traceable addresses, urging the public to support only legitimate businesses with proper physical locations and accountability systems.
Nwenyi praised Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his administration’s commitment to youth development through educational scholarships, agricultural support programs, and international training opportunities. He encouraged young people to embrace these initiatives rather than fall for dubious shortcuts to financial success.
He recounted a separate case involving a missing seven-year-old boy who was eventually rescued and reunited with his family following weeks of collaboration with media outlets and the public. The commander used the incident to emphasize the critical role parents play in safeguarding their children.
“Parents must not abdicate their responsibilities,” he warned. “Especially mothers with teenage daughters—be cautious of strangers promising overseas opportunities. Many of these are fronts for sex trafficking.”
Beyond the trafficking issue, Nwenyi condemned the increasing misuse of social media among Ebonyi youths, noting that some use digital platforms to spread falsehoods about government efforts, which in turn deters potential investors.
“It’s disheartening that some youths are using the same devices meant for growth to harm the state’s image. This is a serious threat to investment and development,” he noted.
Prince Victor Chibuoyi Nwenyi
He also criticized self-styled “content creators” who promote indecent content online, describing such acts as “digital immorality” and urging parents to be proactive in monitoring their children’s online activities.
On the issue of internet fraud, popularly called Yahoo Yahoo, Nwenyi labeled it a destructive and outdated scheme, equating it to modern-day ritualism that ultimately leads to failure and lost potential.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
