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The First Lady who spoke in Umuahia the State capital on Sunday expressed sadness that while the world was preparing to celebrate the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day Celebration, some nefarious persons were busy exploiting innocent girls for selfish reasons.
She said, “I am deeply saddened by the discovery of a baby factory in Abia State. On a day when the world celebrates the remarkable achievements of women, it is disheartening to know that a few individuals are working to undermine our efforts to showcase the positive contributions of Abia women.
“We vehemently condemn the existence of baby factories in Abia State, where young girls are exploited, forced into pregnancy, and have their babies forcefully taken from them for profit. This barbaric practice endangers the lives and well-being of these girls, exposing them to serious health hazards including HIV and other STDs.
“It’s evident that these nefarious individuals exploit the poor economic challenges of this vulnerable group and their lack of adequate education which exacerbates their susceptibility to manipulation.
“We are aware of the challenges confronting such vulnerable girls and young women hence our commitment to train them in skills acquisition since the inception of the present administration”.
“She assured that her office would consistently provide training opportunities for girls until they are gainfully employed and empowered to resist such temptations of giving birth for profit.”
Mrs. Otti further assured of her commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies in ensuring that those fueling abuse of Abia girls are held accountable, reminding the perpetrators and their sponsors that what they are doing is not an investment in women; but rather a destruction of womanhood, culture, and our generation.
She added that the government will not allow criminals to undermine the collective efforts of the government to build a decent state that would explore the talents of Abia women positively.
She called on Abia citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police or the Gender Based Violence office at the Office of the First Lady or the state Ministry of Women Affairs.
The First Lady also commended the Abia State Police Command led by the commissioner of Police, Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, for their swift response and professionalism which led to the rescue of the girls and arrest of some suspects.
Recall that early Saturday morning, the Police, acting on intelligence stormed a building that served as a baby factory in Aba. A few suspects were arrested while 16 pregnant girls, all of whom hail from a neighbouring state of Akwa Ibom, and 8 babies were rescued.
In August 2016, the Abia State Police Command uncovered a baby factory in the Ogbor-Hill area of Aba in Abia State and rescued five pregnant women.
The police also arrested a 54-year-old man, Nkem Nwokocha, and his wife, identified simply as Nurse, who were said to be the owners of the baby factory.
Also, in February 2024, the Anambra State Government in collaboration with security operatives raided a “baby factory” at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state and rescued six pregnant teenagers from the facility.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the “baby factory” where the babies were being sold had the name, ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity located on a road along the Tansian University, Umunya.
