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| Five Pregnant Teenagers Rescued From Baby Factory In Anambra |
The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with security operatives, raided a baby factory at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, and rescued five pregnant teenagers from the facility.
The facility, which operated under the name of "Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity", was located on a road along the Tansian University, Umunya. It was suspected to be a base for child trafficking, where babies were sold after delivery.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who led the raid, said that the facility was not registered with the state government and was engaging in illegal and unethical practices.
He said that when the state's Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection, they were locked out by the staff, who later fled the scene.
"When we gained access to the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered five underaged pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15, 16, 17, and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wishes," he said.
He said that the girls told them that they were being held by one self-acclaimed doctor, whom they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, who was now at large.
"They said when they deliver the babies, Ossai, who owns the facility, will sell the babies," he said.
He said that five suspects were arrested in connection with the baby factory and the police would carry out further investigation.
He also said that the state government was determined to eliminate all illegal health facilities and quackery in the state, and urged residents to report any suspicious activities or concerns related to healthcare services.
He said that the state government had created a database and a website where people could easily access the approved and registered health facilities in the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Charles Soludo's administration to stamping out fake and quack hospitals across the state and enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
He said that the rescued girls would be taken care of by the state government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
He appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any case of child abuse, exploitation, or trafficking to the relevant authorities.
What is a baby factory?
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| Five Pregnant Teenagers Rescued From Baby Factory In Anambra |
A baby factory is a term used to describe a place where women are coerced, tricked, or forced to give birth to children for the purpose of selling or trafficking them. Baby factories are often disguised as orphanages, maternity homes, or religious centers. They are mostly found in some parts of Africa, especially Nigeria, where poverty, corruption, and weak law enforcement create a conducive environment for this illegal and inhumane practice. Baby factories exploit the vulnerability of young women, especially those who are pregnant out of wedlock, and deprive them of their rights and dignity. They also pose serious health and psychological risks to both the mothers and the children. Baby factories are a form of modern slavery and a violation of human rights. They should be condemned and stopped by all means.
What is the penalty for running a baby factory?
Running a baby factory is a serious crime in Nigeria, as it involves human trafficking, child abuse, and exploitation. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the penalty for running a baby factory is a minimum of seven years imprisonment and a fine of no less than one million naira. However, some experts have argued that this penalty is not severe enough to deter the perpetrators and protect the victims. They have called for stricter laws and enforcement, as well as more awareness and support for the vulnerable women and children involved in this illicit trade.
What is the difference between human trafficking and child trafficking?
Human trafficking and child trafficking are both forms of modern slavery, where people are exploited for sexual or labor purposes. The main difference is that human trafficking can affect anyone, regardless of age, while child trafficking specifically targets children and young people under 18 years old. Child trafficking is considered a more severe form of human trafficking, as it violates the rights of children and exposes them to greater risks of harm and abuse.
What are some signs of human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery, where people are exploited for sexual or labor purposes.
Some common signs of human trafficking are:
- Restricted freedom of movement or communication.
- Signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as bruises, injuries, fear, anxiety, or depression.
- Lack of personal identification documents or control over them.
- Debt bondage or excessive financial obligations.
- Working excessively long or unusual hours, without breaks or fair wages.
- Living in poor or overcrowded conditions, often with other workers.
- Being recruited through false promises or deception.
- Having someone else manage their money or activities.
Are there any cases of human trafficking in Nigeria that have been resolved?
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. According to the statistics from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), there have been some cases of human trafficking in Nigeria that have been resolved in recent years. For example:
In February 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rescued three victims of human trafficking in Jigawa State, who were lured by a trafficker with the promise of jobs in Libya.
In January 2024, NAPTIP secured the conviction of a woman who trafficked two girls from Benin Republic to Nigeria for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation. She was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 naira.
In December 2023, NAPTIP arrested a man who operated a baby factory in Ogun State, where he impregnated young girls and sold their babies for profit. He was charged with child trafficking, child abuse, and rape.
However, these cases represent only a fraction of the total number of human trafficking incidents in Nigeria, as many victims remain unidentified, unreported, or unassisted. Human trafficking is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from the government, civil society, international organizations, and the public.
Are there any organizations fighting against human trafficking in Nigeria?
Yes, there are several organizations fighting against human trafficking in Nigeria. Some of them are:
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP): This is the government agency responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and preventing human trafficking, as well as providing protection and assistance to victims.
Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children (CAHTSEC): This is a non-profit organization that engages in advocacy, awareness creation, technical support, rehabilitation, and collaboration with relevant agencies to combat human trafficking involving women and children.
Devatop Centre for Africa Development (DCAD): This is an anti-human trafficking and anti-human rights organization that focuses on combating human trafficking, gender-based violence, irregular migration, and supporting vulnerable youths in Nigeria.
Pathfinders Justice Initiative (PJI): This is a faith-based organization that works to eradicate modern-day sex slavery and the exploitation of women and girls in the developing world through empowerment, advocacy, and rescue operations.
Women’s Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON): This is a non-governmental organization that promotes the rights and welfare of women and children, especially in the areas of human trafficking, sexual and reproductive health, violence against women, and economic empowerment.
These are just some of the organizations fighting against human trafficking in Nigeria. There are many others that are also working hard to end this scourge and protect the dignity and rights of the victims.
How can I identify a human trafficker?
Human traffickers are people who exploit others for sexual or labor purposes. They may be family members, romantic partners, acquaintances, or strangers. They often use deception, coercion, or violence to lure and control their victims.
Some common signs of human trafficking are:
- Restricted freedom of movement or communication.
- Signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as bruises, injuries, fear, anxiety, or depression.
- Lack of personal identification documents or control over them.
- Debt bondage or excessive financial obligations.
- Working excessively long or unusual hours, without breaks or fair wages.
- Living in poor or overcrowded conditions, often with other workers.
- Being recruited through false promises or deception.
- Having someone else manage their money or activities.
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