By Milcah Tanimu

A 13-year-old girl who was allegedly subjected to weeks of sex slavery by a self-proclaimed man of God identified as Pastor Prosper has been successfully rescued, thanks to the efforts of the non-governmental organization Women Aid Collective (WACOL).

According to a statement released by WACOL’s media officer, Egodi Igwe, on January 22, 2024, the organization received a case report on September 28, 2023, concerning the abduction of a 13-year-old girl by Pastor Prosper Ifedinuru. The pastor was associated with Living Faith Tabernacle, also known as Winners Chapel, in Umulokpa, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu, Enugu State.

The parents of the victim had reported the incident to WACOL, seeking assistance in rescuing their daughter. Allegedly, Prosper had come to their village under the guise of being a missionary. He subsequently disappeared with the minor, using the excuse that he was taking her to open a bank account.

After several unsuccessful attempts by the parents to trace Prosper and the abducted minor, it was discovered that the pastor had turned the girl into a sex slave. The WACOL team promptly engaged the Enugu State Police Command and collaborated with the police to locate the perpetrator and rescue the child victim.

Despite denials from the church authorities, claiming that Prosper was no longer associated with their service, he was eventually apprehended at a border town in Umuahia, Abia State.

Egodi Igwe expressed dismay at the prevalence of such cases, emphasizing the need for accountability and the activation of legal measures to protect girls in all environments. The statement concluded by highlighting the importance of creating a safe environment for girls to grow and excel without having their childhoods snatched away by those who should protect them, even in religious spaces.