About six pregnant teenagers have been rescued when Anambra Government in collaboration with security operatives raided a baby factory at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who made this disclosure said the baby factory was known as "Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity," and was located on a road along the Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State Capital.
Obidike added that Anambra State’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection when it made the discovery.
According to the commissioner, the medical attendants working in the facility locked up the place and ran away after they requested to see the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government.
He said, “Security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, civil defence corps and the police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility.
“When we gained access to the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underage pregnant girls, between ages 14, 15, 16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wishes.
“We interviewed these girls and they told us that they were being camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, who they identified as Odili Ossai, from Delta State, now at large.
“They said when they deliver the babies, the operator of the facility, would sell them.
“Five persons have been arrested in connection with the ‘factory’ and the police will carry out further investigation.”
He urged residents to report any illegal activity, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.