Ola Akinola
The Uyo Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) revealed that, its has arrested four suspects in a case of child trafficking.
In a press statement made available to newsmen by NAPTIP Uyo Zonal Commander, Nduka Nwanwenne, hinted that, one Mrs.Eno Ime (35) a single mother of eight (8) children was apparently in difficulties of taking care of her full blown ninth pregnancy and her children.
According to the report by the agency, this situation, made her to be in need and very vulnerable
However, Nwanwenne said the heavily pregnant woman’s neighbour, Mr. Ita Jacob Udofia (45) pretended to assist by introducing her to one Mrs Juliana Effiong (40), the prime suspect who is a traditional birth attendant and quasi nurse based in Port-Harcourt.
The victim, according to the zonal commander was sent some money through Mr. Udofia, to come over to Port-Harcourt to meet the prime suspect.
“In Port-Harcourt, the victim was administered with some drugs and was delivered of a baby.
The victim was further induced with drugs that put her in a coma after delivery.
“When she came around, she was informed that her baby was dead.
“She said she saw the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (#250,000) in her handbag but handed over the money to one man to help her retrieve her baby”. he said
Meanwhile the suspect, according to NAPTIP Boss had arranged to handover the baby to one Mrs. Nneka Ejekwu, who had cryptic pregnancy.
According to the agency, “Mrs.Juliana Effiong was said to have been treating both Mr and Mrs. Ejekwu with fertility drugs to enable her conceive of a baby.
“Having cornered the new born baby, Mrs Ejekwu, who had earlier parted with the sum of one million and three hundred thousand ,(#1,300,000) was invited by Juliana and induced into labour. By the time she came around, she was presented with a new born baby of the victim as her baby”. he Narrated
Nwanwenne, therefore, vowed that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the entire syndicate and others who engage in illegal child trafficking in the state are made to face the full wrath of the law.
