Five pregnant girls have been rescued following a raid of a baby factory by security operatives at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The rescue efforts followed a collaboration of the Anambra State Ministry of Health and security agencies in the South-Eastern state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the “baby factory” where the babies were being sold had the name, ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’ and was located on a road along the Tansian University, Umunya.

Obidike said the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection when it made the discovery.

He added that the medical attendants working in the facility locked up the place 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.

He said, “Security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, civil defence corps and the police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility.

“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 Odili Ossai, from Delta State, now at large.

“They said when they deliver the babies, the operator of the facility would sell them.

“Five persons have been arrested in connection with the ‘factory’ and the police will carry out further investigation.”

He urged residents to report any illegal activity, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state.