NAN
The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of vulnerable people in the state, particularly children, in the wake of an alleged N25 million baby sale incident.
This commitment was voiced by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Her statement came after she was allegedly implicated in the “baby sale” scandal.
A 37-year-old single mother, Susan Nweze, and her family petitioned the Force Zonal Headquarters in Enugu, alleging that her newborn baby boy was sold for N25 million with the involvement of the police, other security agencies, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Following the petition, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in the zone invited all parties involved, including the Commissioner. The Commissioner confirmed that a police investigation into the matter is ongoing.
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Mrs. Nwamkpuma stressed that the baby in question is currently under the care and supervision of her ministry.
The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Francis Nwifuru is dedicated to the protection of the poor, vulnerable, and destitute children in the state. She stated that the current administration is for the people, especially those who cannot take care of themselves.
The alleged baby sale incident highlights the ongoing challenges of child trafficking and exploitation. The Ebonyi State government, in partnership with other organizations, has been working on various initiatives to address these issues:
Ebonyi State has adopted the Child Rights Act, which prohibits child marriage, child trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
Organizations like the African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) are collaborating with the government to implement community-based monitoring systems and education campaigns to prevent child exploitation.
The government has recognized that poverty and lack of education contribute to child vulnerability. Past and current administrations have implemented programs like free basic education and various poverty alleviation initiatives to address these underlying issues.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has also been active in a number of initiatives, including the evacuation and rehabilitation of destitute and mentally ill persons from the streets, and a crackdown on the use of children for street begging and hawking.
The government’s stated commitment is to ensure that due process is followed in all matters involving children, including adoptions, to avoid controversies and protect the well-being of the child.
