Otti hails operation, vows to prosecute masterminds
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Troops from 14 Brigade Nigeria Army Ohafia, Sunday, raided a baby factory located at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala-Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The owner of the baby factory simply identified as Mrs Nma, on sighting the soldiers fled the scene.
Meanwhile, 21 out of the 24 inmates in facility were pregnant while two ( a boy and a girl), were babies.
Items found in the place include; a Tiger generator, a stretcher, gas cylinder, a bag of rice, 4 cartoon of tin tomatoes, 5 litres of vegetable oil, two bags of garri and soup ingredients.”
An Army source said the raid was sequel to an intelligence report that “the owner of the factory was selling some of these babies to criminal agents for ritual purposes, and others for child trafficking.”
Meanwhile, one Katherine Ngwanma 34 years old, one of the chefs at the facility, was arrested by the troops.
The military later handed over the pregnant women as well as the babies to the Abia State Government for further actions.”
Speaking with newsmen, the Village Head of Okpuala Isiala Umunkpei, Jude Ori, commended the military for the raid, saying that other security agencies have not been able to deal with the operators of the baby factory despite several complaints by the people.
“This is what we have been expecting to happen. We have tried everything to stop this including going to the police to help us but to no avail.”
He pledged the support of the villagers to the military.
Meanwhile, Gov Alex Otti, has commended the Army for the raid, vowing to prosecute the fleeing owner of factory and her collaborators.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said his administration would not tolerate such criminality .
He vowed to investigate and prosecute the suspects.
“The military deserves commendation for its swiftness. There is no reason this type of criminality will be happening here without connivance with some people.
“We learnt that the operator has been notorious in this illicit business, and has always bragged that she can get out of the hooks with her connections.
“In the past, she has been severally arrested by the police but comes out in less than 24 hours. It’s embarrassing to hear such a story.
“You can see now that the soldiers are on ground, and that is why her collaborators have not come here to tell stories. We commend the Army for this feat.
“We need to sanitise the environment. We cannot allow this type of thing under the present administration.
“There will be thorough investigation even though testimonies from many quarters say she has been notorious for this. She brags that she will use her contact to get out of the hooks.
“The government will ensure this type of thing comes to an end. These are young girls, some of them less than 16 years. Imagine the abuse and the desecration of the land.”
Otti said his Government would take necessary actions to put an end to the menace.
The Government implored members of the public to volunteer information on the whereabouts of suspects.
