No fewer than 5 pregnant teenagers and 10 others have been rescued as Anambra Stae government shut down a notorious baby factory syndicate operating under the guise of a hospital in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The illegal facility, known as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, located at 1 School Road near Tansian University, was reportedly sealed on Saturday following a raid that commenced Friday.
The operation followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with security agencies.
Addressing journalists at the facility, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said that during the raid, officials reportedly arrested key staff and operators of the facility, rescued five pregnant teenagers and 10 others.
Obidike said the government discovered that the establishment was being used for “medical malpractices” and illegal adoption activities.
He described the so-called hospital as fraudulent, revealing it was operating with a forged medical license and run by a self-proclaimed doctor from Delta State.
According to Obidike, “This crackdown is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against child trafficking, human rights violations, and gender-based abuse.”
He confirmed that the facility was deeply involved in the trafficking and exploitation of girls aged between 15 and 21, many of whom were allegedly held against their will and forced into pregnancies.
Newborns from these forced pregnancies were sold through illegal adoption rings, according to the health commissioner.
The state government is committed to shutting down all illegal medical establishments and safeguarding public health,” Obidike said.
“This operation underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and health regulators.
“We are determined to rid Anambra State of fake medical practitioners and criminal networks that exploit the vulnerable.”
The Commissioner credited the success of the raid to the efforts of the State Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and the State Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team.
He said the bodies were set up to identify and eliminate unauthorized health facilities across the state.
Obidike called on residents to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious medical activities, adding, “Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, and suspects are expected to face charges including human trafficking, unlawful detention, and child exploitation.”
Issuing a stern warning to unregistered medical outfits, Obidike said, “We are issuing a stern warning to operators of unlicensed and quack facilities in the state.
“Shut down now or face the full weight of the law. We will not compromise the safety and dignity of our people.”
The acting Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, was among senior health officials who participated in the raid.
The rescued teenage girls and infants are currently receiving medical care and psychological support under government supervision.
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