The Lagos State Government said on Thursday that it had rescued no fewer than 25 children from a suspected child trafficker in Egbeda area of the state.
Alaba Fadairo, Director, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, told journalists in Ikeja that the children were rescued at an illegal orphanage on August 17.
“Government officials in collaboration with security agents stormed St. Stephens Charity Foundation, Egbeda, where the children were kept and rescued them.
“During the raid, the security officials arrested the operator of the Foundation,’’ she said.
Ms. Fadairo added that the suspect, who was being questioned at the Alausa Police Station, would soon be charged to court for child trafficking.
“The suspect was using the 25 children kept in a room to raise money and to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, who want to adopt children.
“There were no records whatsoever about the children of between ages six months and 12 years. Also, there was no evidence or security report on how the children got there.
“This is clearly a case of child trafficking; the suspect will be charged to court, while the children have been moved to a government-owned welfare home for proper care,’’ she added.
Ms. Fadairo urged members of the public to be vigilant and report the existence of such illegal orphanages in their areas to the government for appropriate sanctions.
She also advised owners of orphanages in the state to comply with the laws guiding their operations.
