Rivers State Government has expressed concern over rising cases of child trafficking, abuse of underaged girls and unregulated surrogacy practices in the state.
The state government vowed to introduce legislation to curb the growing trend.
Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, led by the Assistant Director of Intelligence, Rivers State Command, Ikediashi Nwamaka.
Anabraba praised NAPTIP for its continued efforts in safeguarding vulnerable persons across the state but noted that recent reports from some orphanages and care homes were alarming.
According to him, the Government is deeply concerned about cases involving child trafficking, exploitation of underaged girls commonly referred to as “baby factory” activities, and the lack of proper regulations guiding surrogacy arrangements in the state.
He assured the delegation that the State Government was already taking steps to address these issues.
Anabraba said the Government was working on new legislation aimed at protecting women and children and stopping the illegal activities of individuals and institutions that prey on vulnerable groups.
