The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), yesterday, alleged that some Nigerian women now sell their private parts, wombs, ovaries and human eggs as commodities in the global bio-technology market.

President of CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, disclosed this during the International Family and Pro-Life Conference tagged “Witnesses to the dignity of every human life” in Abuja.

Speaking on the topic “The Catholic Church in Nigeria and the imperative of scaling up pro-life activities across the country,” the Bishop revealed that most of the transactions were done with people who hold influential positions in the society.

Kaigama said: “Some scientists and dubious businessmen use members of the National Assembly to gain legal access to the wombs and ovaries of women and young girls.

“It is becoming increasingly clear to us that even in Nigeria, our women have become the targets of all manners of intrigues, especially as their fertility is concerned.

“Personal private parts of women, ranging from wombs, ovaries and human eggs risk being put up as commodities for sale at the global biotechnology market-places.”

On the insurgency in some parts of the country, the cleric said it was regrettable that human life had become cheaper than a loaf of bread.

According to him, “Throughout the world today, human life and the enduring values of human dignity, sanctity of marriage and family life have become grossly diminished by ideologies, politicians, religious extremists and businessmen and businesswomen.

“In Nigeria, we have lately become overwhelmed by the spate of reckless killings and spilling of human blood where ritual murders, unresolved assassinations, kidnapping, cultism and terrorism have become part of our daily news and life experiences.

“Regrettably, human life has become cheaper than a loaf of bread. From hijacking and loss of airborne planes to the avoidable mishaps of sinking of ships and ferries loaded with passengers, to the mindless wars and avoidable military conflicts, human lives are wantonly wasted everywhere, everyday.”

•Text courtesy of Vanguard. Photo shows President of CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama.