From Michael Ovat, Awka
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, attached to the Oyi Divisional Headquarters, have successfully foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl.
The breakthrough followed credible intelligence received by the police on Friday, June 19.
In a statement released on Sunday, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the intervention was triggered by a report from a concerned citizen.
This, according to him led officers to a location in Igbariam, where the young mother and her infant daughter were tracked down.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed the 21-year-old woman had successfully hidden both her pregnancy and subsequent delivery from her parents.
It was revealed that the had fled her family home in Imo State to seek refuge with a friend residing in Igbariam, Anambra State, where she allegedly planned to finalize the sale of the child.
Upon securing the mother and child, the police immediately contacted the young woman’s parents, who traveled down to Anambra State without delay.
“Following their arrival, the mother and child were reunited with the family to guarantee adequate care, supervision, and emotional support while investigations continue,” SP Ikenga stated.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the whistleblowing citizen and members of the public whose timely information led to the successful rescue of the baby.
CP Orutugu reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
The Commissioner urged residents of Anambra State to remain vigilant and to continue partnering with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities within their neighborhoods.
The Command assured the public that a full investigation is underway to uncover the complete circumstances surrounding the incident, promising that anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law.
