stole and sold the babies as soon as they were delivered.
Keen watchers believe that the discovery of the baby farms in south-eastern Nigeria is a clear indication of social and moral rot in the society. It is hoped that this trend however with the setting up of National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), the evil act which has become a recurring act in the country today should stop. The baby factory business we learnt is fast spreading to the South-south of the country.
Recently in Akwa Ibom state, the Nigeria police was reported to have raided an illegal orphanage where they rescued young women thought to have been forced to bear children with the aim of selling them. According to the ASP, “We discovered the babyfactory in Uruah Local Government area of the state during a raid following a tip-off.”
The ASP went on to say that seven women between the ages of 18 and 20, including three who were pregnant, were freed from the home during the April 4 operation. No babies were discovered. Three suspects including the owner, his wife and another accomplice were arrested.
“The suspects usually lure young girls to get pregnant with a promise of 70,000 naira ($445) after having their babies, which they sell to ritualists,” he said.
A number of such “factories” have been discovered in Nigeria, some operating with the intention of selling the children to childless couples. One of the young mothers said that she had contacted the owner of the home with the intention of having