By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Archbishop, Province of the Niger, and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, has raised the alarm on the high incidence of sexual exploitation of young girls by adults trafficking in persons for sex, labour and child abuse in the society.

He made the declaration in a Sunday message to mark the 2020 Children’s Day and the Anglican Children Ministry (ACM)/Pentecost Sunday.

The bishop described men who engage children in prostitution as heartless beasts unworthy of living among honest and God fearing people.

He called on parents to be mindful of the companies their children keep in order to safeguard them from sexual slavery, sexually transmitted disease, prostitution and other forms of crimes in the society.

The cleric further admonished all levels of governments, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), civil society organisations, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations and other non-governmental organisations with interest in human rights to effectively champion measures targeted at combating child trafficking scourge and abuses still prevalent in Nigeria.

He also warned young girls especially those admitted into Girls’ Guild in the Anglican Communion to desist from all forms of sexual immorality, fornication, and prostitution in any disguise by accepting Jesus Christ to receive the Holy Spirit in their lives.

The statement signed by the Director, Media, Research, Communication and Public Relations, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka, Mr. Emeka Odogwu, warned children, Girls’ Guilds and other youths against mobile phones sexting - sending, and receiving sexually-explicit images, and messages via digital devices sequel to its pervasive tendencies.

The statement reads in part: “Mobile phones should be used for good tidings and not evil scheming. Young girls stop sleeping around in order to have a glorious future.

“Prostitution by whatever disguise is not a business to be associated with true Christian girls and women but for those who don’t know Jesus Christ. Desist from all forms of sex before marriage and sexual immorality by being chaste in accordance with the scriptures, having welcomed the Holy Spirit into your life.”

Ibezim regretted the dwindling values for chaste life style in the society by millions of youths across the world and the alarming embrace for mundane things, material things and popular culture which most times are evil induced.

He hailed clergymen in Awka diocese who are in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols during service, and particularly applauded two of the clergymen in the diocese, the Archdeacon Ukpo Archdeaconry, Ven Ginika Shalom, and Vicar Church of Pentecost, Ukpo, Reverend Canon Uche Umeifekwem.

While describing COVID-19 as satanic and evil machination targeted at the foundation of Christian faith, the Archbishop tasked priests to continue to give hope and liberate their congregation through the power of God.

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