Several teenage girls and young women reported missing from Ebonyi State have been found in Aguleri, Anambra State, following the uncovering of an alleged human trafficking and exploitation operation at a facility identified as Morning Star Brothel.

The discovery followed a complaint by a mother who had been searching for her daughter since October. Acting on information received, concerned individuals traced the missing girls to the location, where a number of teenagers and young women were found.

One of the girls, who said she was 15 years old, identified herself as Divine. She explained that she and her sister were brought to the location by a relative after being promised legitimate work. According to her account, they were told the job involved clothing-related activities and would enable them earn money to support their family.

Divine whose mother laid the complaint stated that after arriving in Anambra State, she and others realised that the work they had been promised was not what they were brought for.

She said they immediately requested to return home, but their requests were denied. Instead, they were allegedly compelled to remain at the location under threats and deception.

She further explained that the girls were told they had to repay the cost of their transportation before they could be allowed to leave. Several attempts by some of the girls to escape were reportedly unsuccessful, leaving them trapped for months.

Other girls at the location confirmed her account. When asked their ages, three of them stated they were 17, 16 and 15 years old. The girls also disclosed that they came from different parts of the country, including Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Nsukka and Niger states, suggesting a coordinated network targeting vulnerable young people.

According to the accounts, the girls were kept under strict control and subjected to conditions they described as degrading and traumatic.

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against human trafficking and child exploitation. Civil society groups and concerned citizens have urged law enforcement agencies and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, to immediately investigate the matter, rescue all victims and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding arrests or ongoing investigations. However, the case has intensified conversations about poverty, unemployment and the vulnerability of young girls to trafficking under the guise of employment opportunities.

When contacted, the Honourable Commissioner For Woman’s Affairs in Ebonyi State, Barrister Felicia Nwakpuma said she has written to her Anambra counterpart in order to ascertain where the incident happened in Anambra State.