• Ministry revokes facility’s operating licence

One of the 21 pregnant girls rescued during a raid on a baby factory by troops of the 14 Army Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, on Sunday, has tested positive to Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV).

Our Correspondent also learnt that another inmate of the facility delivered a baby, while two others are close to their delivery dates. Two babies were also rescued from the facility located at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Council of Abia State.

The facility has a signpost “Nma Charity & Social Mothers Rehabilitation Centre” and is owned by one Mrs. Nma Lilian Achumba, who was said to be at large, and was allegedly approved by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Provost of Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, Umuahia, where they are being rehabilitated, Dr. Christian Anokwuru, disclosed this when Abia State first Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, paid an unscheduled visit to the college.

The Catholic priest said Mrs. Otti’s visit would provide a better approach in addressing the situation, stressing that the ladies went through all necessary preliminary medical investigations and tests to determine their health status.

He said: “One of the girls has given birth to a baby and we have two more who are to be delivered of their babies, but one of the girls is HIV positive and we have commenced taking adequate care of the mother and the unborn baby.”

Speaking, the state, first lady, who described the situation as worrisome, called for swift action to provide interventions that would make it easy for the young women to be reintegrated into the society.

“It is quite distressing to know that this kind of operation still exists in Abia State. It is a complex problem, that young girls are taken advantage of and lured with promises of being financially rewarded after they give birth to the babies.

“I am disappointed and heartbroken to see these girls in this condition. I have come to see things for myself and appropriate actions will be taken to ensure that the girls are taken care of now and after delivery, something has to be done to improve their lives,” she added.

According to her, she would partner faith-based organisations to facilitate campaigns against baby factories and teenage pregnancy. Meanwhile, the state government has revoked the operational licence of the facility.

Director of Social welfare and Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Nnenna Onwuka, who announced the revocation, yesterday, said that the operator of the Nma Charity home violated the guidelines for operating social homes by keeping more than 10 girls in her home, stressing that the ministry is against child trafficking and illegal adoption of children.

The Police could not confirm any arrest so far, but it was gathered that two suspects were arrested in connection with the development. (The Guardian)

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