The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on Monday, July 22, 2024 warned that the state government would not tolerate any form of baby factories and human trafficking in Edo.
Mrs. Obaseki gave the warning while parading an alleged operator of baby factory, one Mrs. Jennifer Osagiede, 48,
alongside five others said to be her victims before Journalists in Benin.
Mrs. Obaseki said that her attention was drawn to the illegal operation at the Ikpoba Hill axis of the state, adding that she immediately swung into action that led to the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of her victims.
Obaseki maintained that it is against the law to keep pregnant young girls at home and that after delivery, their babies will be sold off, and assured tha the full wrath of the law must fall squarely on the perpetrator.
The wife of governor Obaseki who said the suspect has been operating illegally for over two years, added that the state government has made it easy for those interested in adopting a child to do so and will not welcome the idea of cutting corners.
Speaking to Journalists during the parade, the suspect, Mrs. Jennifer Osagiede, denied running a baby factory, claiming that she went to nursing school but dropped out along the line.
One of the victims from Imo state, named Blessing, 17, said she was hypnotized and raped by a boy and out of shame, her aunty decided to send her to meet the said woman in Benin City.
Blessing, an SS1 student said she met four other pregnant girls in the home.