By Deborah Nnamdi
The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka, stating that operatives attached to the Oyi Divisional Police Station acted on credible intelligence to prevent the suspected sale of the infant.
According to Ikenga, the operation was carried out on June 19 after a concerned citizen alerted the police to the situation. Officers subsequently tracked the young mother and her newborn daughter to a location in Igbariam, where they were rescued.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had concealed both her pregnancy and childbirth from her parents. Further findings indicated that she left her family home in Imo State and sought refuge with a friend in Igbariam before the alleged plan was uncovered.
“The police promptly secured both the mother and her infant daughter and facilitated their reunion with family members to ensure proper care, protection and support,” Ikenga said.
He added that the police immediately contacted the woman’s parents, who responded promptly and travelled to Anambra State. Following their arrival, the mother and child were reunited with the family to guarantee adequate care, supervision and emotional support.
The spokesperson noted that investigations into the matter are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any other persons who may have been involved.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the vigilance and sense of responsibility displayed by the complainant and members of the public whose timely information led to the successful intervention.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and neglect, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
The command assured the public that anyone found culpable in connection with the case would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
