In a crackdown on underage gaming, the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission has arrested 21 children, aged between 12 and 15, who were found playing games at a lotto outlet in Independence Layout, Enugu. The commission, led by Executive Secretary Chief Arinze Arum, carried out the raid on Thursday, following a tip-off from concerned citizens. The children were apprehended at around 1:30 p.m. and handed over to the state Ministry for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development.
According to Chief Arum, the arrest is part of a broader effort to sanitize the gaming industry in the state and prevent underage gaming. The commission has set up a task force to ensure that unlicensed, unregulated, and unethical practices are eradicated from the industry. Chief Arum emphasized that the commission is working closely with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The commission’s efforts to strengthen regulations and prevent underage gaming are underway. Chief Arum noted that the commission received a tip-off about the underage children playing games at the outlet and quickly mobilized to apprehend them. The outlet, which was not licensed by the commission, was shut down, and the owner was handed over to the police for prosecution.
The commission’s task force and monitoring teams will continue to patrol the streets and roads of Enugu to ensure that unlicensed gaming outlets are not operating and that licensed outlets are complying with regulations. Chief Arum warned that any outlet found to be allowing underage gaming will be closed down, serving as a deterrent to others.
The commission is also calling on parents and school authorities to play a role in preventing underage gaming. Chief Arum urged parents to monitor their children’s activities and ensure they are in school during school hours. He also encouraged school authorities to help prevent children from leaving school to play games or visit gaming outlets.
The fight against underage gaming is a collective effort, and the state government is calling on all residents to report any instances of underage gaming to the commission. Chief Arum assured that any information received will be promptly verified and acted upon. The commission’s efforts to prevent underage gaming are a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this will help to protect children and promote responsible gaming practices in the state.
