Anambra State in South East Nigeria
In a decisive operation, the Anambra State Government, in partnership with security agencies, conducted a raid on Saturday targeting a notorious baby-making syndicate that had been shut down in February 2024.
The facility, disguised as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, is located at No. 1 School Road, Tansian University, Umunya, in Oyi Local Government Area.
According to reports, the initial closure on February 7, 2024, led to the rescue of six pregnant teenagers from the facility.
The alleged operator, Odili Ossai, a self-proclaimed doctor from Delta State, fled and remains at large.
Saturday’s raid, following months of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance, resulted in the arrest of key members of the criminal network.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, addressed journalists about the operation, which was carried out with the support of security forces and the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade.
He revealed that the facility was operating with a fraudulent license and was involved in heinous activities, including human trafficking and the exploitation of young girls aged 15, 19, and 21. Many victims were allegedly held against their will, forced into pregnancies, and had their newborns sold to illegal adoption networks.
During the raid, authorities rescued several teenage girls and infants, who are now receiving comprehensive medical care and psychological support. Investigations have been launched, and the apprehended suspects face charges related to human trafficking, unlawful detention, and child exploitation.
Dr. Obidike hailed the operation as a major step in combating child trafficking, human rights abuses, and gender-based violence.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating illegal medical facilities to protect public health.
“Our Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and Anti-Quackery Taskforce are actively working to identify and close unauthorized health centers across Anambra,” he stated.
The commissioner called on residents to report suspicious healthcare activities and issued a stern warning to unlicensed and fraudulent medical facilities to cease operations or face severe legal consequences.
“Anambra will not tolerate threats to public safety and human dignity,” Obidike emphasized.
NAN
