The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Stella Okotete, has facilitated the safe return of Annabel, a young girl from Uvwiamugie Community in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, who was trafficked to Ivory Coast for prostitution.
Annabel’s return to her community was greeted with joy and relief by her family, residents and well-wishers, bringing an end to weeks of anxiety over her ordeal.
Reacting to the development, Okotete expressed gratitude to God for preserving the young girl’s life and making her safe return possible.
“I thank God that Annabel has returned home safely. Her joyful homecoming to Uvwiamugie Community is a moment of relief, gratitude and hope for all of us,” she said.
She noted that the incident should serve as a reminder that protecting children is a collective responsibility involving parents, guardians, community leaders and society at large.
The APC chieftain particularly urged mothers to pay closer attention to the welfare, safety and well-being of their children, especially the girl child, to prevent them from falling victim to human traffickers.
Describing human trafficking as a grave threat to communities, Okotete called on members of the public to remain vigilant, educate their children on the dangers of trafficking, promptly report suspicious activities and support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children.
She stressed that greater collaboration among families, communities, security agencies and relevant authorities was essential to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent further exploitation.
“Together, we can fight human trafficking, safeguard our daughters and build a future where every girl is free to dream, grow and achieve her full potential,” she stated.
Welcoming Annabel home, Okotete said the young girl’s safe return should inspire renewed commitment to the fight against human trafficking and encourage stronger community action to ensure that no child is subjected to such exploitation again.
Residents of Uvwiamugie Community celebrated Annabel’s return, describing it as a remarkable outcome made possible through the intervention and efforts of Hon. Stella Okotete, whose role in facilitating the rescue and reunion has been widely commended.
