By Vincent Ujummadu

The Anambra State government in partnership with security agents yesterday rescued six  pregnant teenagers from ‘a baby-making factory’ at Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the baby factory where babies were being  sold had the name ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’.

According to him, the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection when it uncovered the operation.

He  added that the  nurses working in the establishment locked up the hospital 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.

The commissioner said security operatives, including OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence Corps, and the Police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access to the facility.

He said: “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 Mr  Ossai from Delta State, now at large.”

The commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices, or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.