The Nigerian Army’s 14 Bribade in Ohafia, on Sunday, June 4, 2023, raided a baby factory at Umunkpei Nvosi in Isiala-Ngwa LGA of Abia State and rescued 21 pregnant teenagers alongside two babies (a boy and a girl) while a 34-year-old Chef identified as Katherine Onyechi Ngwanma, was arrested.
The factory also known as Nma Charity Home, is reported to be operated by one Mrs. Nma Achumba, who escaped after she apparently got wind of the impending raid.
It was gathered that she operated the baby factory for several years under the guise of a charity home, which she registered with the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The soldiers raided the baby factory following an intelligence report that the owner was selling some of the babies to criminal agents for ritual purposes, and others for child trafficking.
It was alleged that the woman was also constituting a nuisance in the area and that sometimes, human parts were seen around the building.
It was also gathered that the facility had been raided several times by security operatives within and outside the state, but the operator always managed to escape while girls were rescued.
Efforts are ongoing to capture the fleeing suspect while the pregnant girls, as well as the babies, have been handed over to the Abia State Government for further action.
Other items found in the place include a generator, a stretcher, gas cylinder, a bag of rice, four cartons of tin tomatoes, 5 litres of vegetable oil, two bags of garri and soup ingredients.
The soldiers were led by the Army Public Relations Officer, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Lt Omale Innocent Prince, and the Media Adviser to Governor Alex Otti, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.
