The Anambra State government on Wednesday, in collaboration with security forces, raided a 'baby factory' in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the state and rescued six pregnant teenagers from the facility.
The state health commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike, told reporters after the raid that the name of the “baby factory” where the infants were being sold was “Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity Department, Umunya, along Tansian University.”
Mr. Obedike said that at the time of the discovery, the state Department of Health Facilities, Accreditation and Surveillance arrived at the facility for routine inspection.
He said the medical workers who worked at the facility sought medical attention from the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government, then locked up the place and fled. added.
“Security forces, including the OCHA brigade, civil defense forces and police, then assisted the surveillance team in entering the facility,” he said.
“When we accessed the facility, what we saw was shocking. We found six underage pregnant girls aged 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21. The suspects were found camping against their wishes.
“When we interviewed them, they said they were housed by a self-styled doctor who identified him as Mr. Odili Ossai from Delta State, who is currently on the run.
“They told me that once I gave birth to the baby, the facility operator would sell the baby.
“Five people have been arrested in connection with the 'factory' and police will conduct further investigations.”
He called on residents to report any irregularities, medical errors or concerns related to health services in the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to eradicate fake and bogus hospitals across the state.
