The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, rescued six pregnant teens on Wednesday from ‘a baby-making factory’ in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
Dr. Afam Obidike, the state Commissioner for Health, told journalists following the raid that the baby factory where infants were sold was called ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’.
According to him, the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation, and Monitoring Unit discovered the operation while conducting a normal inspection at the facility.
He further stated that the nurses working in the company closed up the hospital and fled after they sought to meet the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government.
The commissioner stated that security personnel from the OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence Corps, and the Police later supported the monitoring team in getting entry to the facility.
“When we gained access into the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wish.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us that they were being camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large,” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.