88 Children Removed from Iowa Church Camp Following Abuse Reports

A horrifying story impacting nearly 100 children has emerged from a small town in Iowa.

Per KWWL, authorities in southeast Iowa have said 88 children were put in protective custody following reports of child abuse as well as child endangerment emerged from a camp in Columbus Junction. Agencies responded to the camp on June 12th and 13th following several reports of abuse.

READ MORE: This Long, Swinging Bridge is Hiding in the Woods of Columbus Junction, IA

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The camp in question is the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation and Shekinah Glory Camp in Columbus Junction, IA. The 88 children that were rescued from the camp were returned to their parents or placed in temporary foster care.

The kids were brought to safety thanks to a collaborative effort between the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Health Human Services, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Columbus Junction Police Department, per KWWL. An investigation into potential human trafficking is currently ongoing.

KWQC caught up with Victor Bawi, the son of a minister at the church. Bawi revealed that no camp leaders have been arrested at this time, but a human trafficking investigation is ongoing. He claimed a 15-year-old from Texas called authorities because "he didn't want to be there."

In the midst of this harrowing story is Wapello Methodist Church, as well as the community school and food pantry, who volunteered to assist in the investigation, rescue, and placement of the kids. The children also subsequently met with child protection workers upon being picked up from camp.

The Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation and Shekinah Glory Camp has kids from all over the country in attendance for what sounds like an extended bible camp retreat.

Read more on KWQC's website.