From Lawrence Chudi, Awka
Anambra State Government in collaboration with security operatives have rescued six pregnant teenagers from a baby-making factory at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health told journalists after the raid that the camp where babies were being sold had the name ‘ Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’
According to him, the facility is located at No 1, school road, Tansian University in Umunya where babies were being sold.
Obidike said the nurses they saw locked up the facility and ran away after they requested to see the doctor on duty and find out why the facility was not registered with the state government.
Obidike said, “it was security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence corps and the Police that later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility.
“When we gained access into the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21, allegedly camped against their wish.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us they are being camped by one self acclaimed doctor who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large.
“According to them, when they deliver the babies, Mr Ossai, who owns the facility will sell the babies.
“Five persons have been arrested in connection with the `factory’ and the police will carry out further investigation,” he said.
The Commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.
Also speaking, Director, Medical Services, Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu cautioned other fake and quack doctors operating in the state to shut down immediately.