The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidences of buying and selling of babies and the proliferation of baby factories across the country.
Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, the director General of the Agency, who noted the position of NAPTIP on Monday, May 20, 2024, stated that in recent times, there have been alarming reports and public outcry regarding the sale of babies and the existence of facilities specialising in trapping young girls, recruiting men to impregnate them, and subsequently selling the babies after delivery.
Waziri-Azi said the factories operate clandestinely, preying on the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims, by often luring them with promises of financial gain or false assurances of care and support.
The NAPTIP Director General in a statement on made available to Forefront News said that 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.
She said; “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 baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command. A sixty-three-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere Nkwocha, was apprehended as the owner of the baby factory.
“Both the suspects and the victims have been handed over to the NAPTIP Abia State Liaison Office for further investigation and appropriate action,” she said.
Waziri-Azi, while commending the Abia State Command of the DSS for the successful operation, encouraged members of the public, particularly parents, to be conscious and ensure that their wards do not fall victim to the unscrupulous individuals.
The NAPTIP Director General also urged communities to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies in combating the heinous crimes by promptly reporting all cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP through its toll-free number, 0703 0000 203, or short code 627 (MTN & AIRTEL Only).
