On Thursday, the Abia State Police Command busted a baby factory in Aba, liberating 16 pregnant women along with eight children, five boys, and three girls.
During the parade of the inmates on Friday, a member of the Rapid Response Squad leading the operation disclosed that the rescue operation was initiated based on credible intelligence provided by local residents.
“Yesterday night, we decided to visit the place, a four-story building with 10 flats and another adjacent building in the same compound.
“We were able to capture 16 of them, all pregnant. One of the facilitators, Onyinyechi, was also pregnant and another, Ekpene (male) who lives in the compound were also arrested and eight children were recovered,” he said.
The RRS official mentioned ongoing efforts to locate other individuals involved, while an investigation has been initiated.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, represented by her Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama, addressed the situation, stating, “Today, on International Women’s Day, we are welcoming back women who were on a path to destruction.”
She assured that the ministry, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, would ensure the women’s well-being during the investigation process.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma, praised the police and other security agencies for their swift action, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining law and order in the state.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the security agencies in ensuring justice for those involved in the illicit activity and safeguarding the rescued girls, promising thorough prosecution for the offenders.