Some residents in Enugu State and its environs have expressed dismay over the return of ‘baby factories’ in the state.
This came as the operatives of the 9th Mile Division of Enugu Police command, through intelligence operation, raided a baby factory located at Etiti, Amankwo-Ngwo Udi Local Government Area where they rescued nine pregnant girls.
The baby factory, allegedly operated by Obinna(not real name) of Etiti,Amakwo-Ngwo was discovered on June 13, during a raid at the private house of the owner.
Police Spokesperson,Mr.Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the arrest in a statement to newsmen revealing that nine pregnant girls were rescued during the raid.
Amaraizu said,”we had strong intelligence report about his activities. We had to put a tab on him for some time which eventually paid off. “Nine pregnant girls at various stages of pregnancy were rescued.
Continuing,the Police Spokesperson however noted that the operator claimed he got a provisional approval in October 2007 from Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Enugu State to admit and shelter pregnant women in his home.
OPERATOR CONFESSES
The operator had revealed during police interrogation that he operated a hospital/maternity(name withheld) which is no longer functional.
The Operator said,”I decided to run the maternity from my house. I am supposed to inform the Social Development and Women Affairs Ministry within 24 hours of admitting any pregnant women. I called the Ministry on phone instead of writing them. The people I admitted came without referral.”
VICTIM NARRATES ORDEAL
Ugwu Christabel, one of the pregnant girls revealed that she was allegedly raped as she was returning from school.
She said,”I could not report the incident to my parents until it resulted to pregnancy. I was forced to marry an old man or leave the family which made me seek assistance through one of my aunties.
“She was the one that directed me to the home. At the home, all we do is to eat. We were asked to list what we want with the agreement that after delivery,we will leave our babies and go.”
CLO LAMENTS
Member governing board,Civil Liberties Organisation,CLO,Mr. Gambo Danjuma tasked the police to unravel who contracted the operator to get the babies.
Danjuma said,”most of them who claim that they are doctors are responsible for impregnating the girls. When the girls deliver,they sell the babies to their buyers.
“We had cried out over the activities of baby factory operators in Enugu State. The police should conduct serious interrogation on who is responsible for the pregnancy, who gave them the contact to the home,who is the buyer and how they share the booty. “The price of the baby varies depending on the sex. Most times,these babies are used for rituals. The police should reveal how the buyers are linked to the facility.
“The public should always go through the appropriate channels whenever they intend to adopt babies. Most of these babies go for N500,000 to N750,000 depending on sex.”
