Abia Warns Against Operation Of Illegal Social Homes, As Security Agencies Rescue 16 Pregnant Teenagers In Aba

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State  Government has issued a stern warning to all operators of  unregistered Social  Homes and Orphanages in the state, calling on them to close shop before the long arms of the law  catches up with them.

The marching order is coming on the heels of the raiding of an illegal social home other wise known as “Baby Factory” late last week in Aba ,during which about 16 pregnant teenagers were rescued by security operatives.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Allevatiation Hon.Ngozi Felix who made known the position of the state Government during an  interview with the media said the rescued pregnant young girls are currently in the  custody of the ministry receiving medical attention, adding that most of them are manifesting signs of serious malnutrition and other ailments.

The Commissioner for women Affairs ,stressed that the Abia state Government will not sit by and watch idly while illegal Orphanages  continue to have a free reign ,warning that appropriate mechanisms have been instituted to properly look in to the activities of such self acclaimed Social Homes.

According to her,Abia State officially has 22 Social Homes and Orphanages that are  properly registered with the Ministry,.

“Not every Social Home operating in Abia state is legal and not all are illegal .There are a few that are registered with the Ministry of  Women Affairs .

However, for all those who are operating or had  been operating illegally  before this government came on board, we will work in collaboration with the police and other security outfits to see that such illegal facilities are shut down .

For now we only have a some private but registered Homes operated by individuals who are passionate about such . ” Mrs Felix noted.

The Commissioner assured that despite the fact that all the rescued pregnant teenagers are not from Abia, ,the ministry will keep and  take care of them ,until security agencies gives approval for  them to be returned to  their various states .

Mrs Felix said that her Ministry is presently working in concert with the office of Abia State First Lady , Mrs Priscilla Otti to ensure that the rescued young girls receive adequate medical care  before being  taking  back.