How NAPTIP Rescued 6 Pregnant Girls From Baby Factory in Abia
Not less than six pregnant girls have been rescued from a baby factory operated by a 63-year-old woman identified as Chinyere Nkwocha in Umunkwa village, Abia State.
One lactating mother, a young girl and two male minors were also rescued from the factory, which was uncovered by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), who subsequently arrested Nkwocha.
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), made this known on Monday while lamenting the rise in the number of baby factories and the sale of babies in the country.
According to the NAPTIP DG, these factories prey on the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims and lure them with false promises and support.
Waziri-Azi was quoted in media reports as saying, “One of the most recent incidents occurred in Umunkwa village, located in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State, where ten victims were rescued from a baby factory.
“The victims, aged between one and twenty-four years, included seven young girls, six of whom are pregnant, one lactating mother, and two boys who are minors. The factory was operated by a 63-year-old woman, Chinyere Nkwocha, who was apprehended by the DSS. The victims and suspects have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and action.”
Meanwhile, suspected cases of human trafficking can be reported to NAPTIP through its toll-free number, 0703 0000 203, or short code to 627 (MTN & AIRTEL only).