A sixty-three-year-old woman, Chinyere Nkwocha, has been arrested for operating a baby factory in Abia State.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said the baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command.
Ten victims were rescued from Umunkwa village, located in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State where Nkwocha operates.
The victims, aged between one and 24 years, included seven young girls, six of whom are pregnant, one lactating mother, and two boys who are minors.NAPTIP said the suspects and the victims have been handed over to its Abia State Liaison Office for further investigation and appropriate action.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, expressed concern over the increasing incidences of the buying and selling of babies and the proliferation of baby factories across the country.
She said in recent times, there have been alarming reports and public outcry regarding the sale of babies and the existence of facilities specializing in trapping young girls, recruiting men to impregnate them, and subsequently selling the babies after delivery.
Waziri-Azi in a statement by the Communication Officer of the agency, Adekoye Vincent, stated that the factories operate covertly and prey on the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims.
She said the operators of the factory often lure people with promises of financial gain or false assurances of care and support.
The Director-General, while commending the Abia State Command of the DSS for the successful operation, urged the public, especially parents, to be vigilant and ensure that their wards do not fall victim.
She also encouraged communities to continue collaborating with Law Enforcement Agencies in combating the crime by reporting all cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP through its toll-free number, 0703 0000 203, or short code 627 (MTN & AIRTEL Only).