The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected baby factory and human trafficking syndicate operating in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The operation followed the daring escape of a 17-year-old pregnant girl, Vivian Peter, from Akwa Ibom State, who was lured to Ore under the pretense of a job offer but later found herself trapped in a baby-selling operation.
Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the case was initially reported at Ore Police Division before being transferred to the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit for further investigation.
According to the statement, Vivian revealed that upon her arrival in Ore, she was taken to what was described as a clinic, but it turned out to be a baby factory where several other young pregnant girls were being held. She managed to escape while being taken for a medical scan and ran to the police for help.
Acting swiftly, operatives from Ore Division and the Gender Unit stormed the facility, rescuing five pregnant girls and a baby boy. One of the victims had already delivered and is currently receiving post-natal care at the General Hospital, Ore, while others are in police protective custody.
During interrogation, the suspected operator of the factory, identified as Ada Clement, reportedly confessed that the babies were sold to buyers for between ₦400,000 and ₦600,000, depending on gender.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a full-scale investigation to apprehend all members of the trafficking network and bring them to justice. He assured that detectives are already on the trail of other fleeing suspects connected to the operation.
Lawal reiterated the Command’s commitment to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, stressing that the force will not tolerate any form of human trafficking, baby-selling, or exploitation of vulnerable persons.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that those behind these despicable crimes face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
Further updates, the PPRO said, will be made public as the investigation progresses.
