Abia Cracks Down On Unregistered Orphanages, ‘Baby Factories’

The Abia State Government has declared a crackdown on unregistered social homes and orphanages operating within the state. This action follows the recent police raid on an alleged “baby factory” in Aba.

Ngozi Blessing Felix, Abia’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, emphasized that the raided facility was not registered with the Ministry. She clarified that all registered orphanages and social homes undergo yearly evaluations to ensure they adhere to established guidelines.

Mrs Felix stressed the government’s zero-tolerance for illegal orphanages.

Investigations are underway to identify and shut down such facilities.

“Not every home operating in Abia State is legal and not all are illegal. There are a few that are registered with the Ministry. However, for all those who are operating or have been operating illegally before this government came into power, we’ll work in collaboration with the police and other security agencies to see that such illegal facilities and homes are shut down.

“We only have private registered homes operated by individuals who are passionate about such. The government is about nine months old, but as soon as everything is put in place, the state will have a home. It’s in the pipeline already,” the Commissioner stated.