Why I sold my grandchild for N50,000 – Anambra woman
In a deeply disturbing incident, the Anambra government has taken swift action to apprehend Oluchukwu Nwosu, a 45-year-old woman accused of selling her own three-month-old grandchild for N50,000.
The shocking news was revealed by Commissioner Ify Obinabo during a press briefing held in Awka on Sunday.
Following weeks of intensive intelligence gathering and surveillance, the baby has been safely rescued. The operation was initiated after a report filed by Ijeoma Nwosu, the mother of the infant, who alleged that her mother forcefully sold the baby shortly after birth and refused to disclose the child’s whereabouts.
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Tragically, “the rescued baby was found in a sickly and underweight condition. The buyer claimed to lack the financial means to provide proper baby food, resulting in the baby being nourished with soya bean powder”.
Expressing her dismay at the persistence of illegal adoption practices in the state, Commissioner Obinabo stressed that despite the government’s ongoing efforts to eradicate this issue, such incidents continue to occur. She firmly warned that those involved in unlawful adoption schemes would face legal consequences.
As investigations unfold, four individuals directly linked to the crime have been arrested and are awaiting further police interrogation.
During discussions with journalists, Oluchukwu, “the grandmother involved in the incident, pleaded for forgiveness. She explained that poverty compelled her to make the ill-fated decision, revealing that her daughter, Ijeoma, had three children out of wedlock, putting an immense strain on their already dire financial situation”.
Tochukwu Asiegbu, who facilitated the transaction, admitted to receiving a profit of N30,000, claiming that he simply connected Oluchukwu with the buyer, Evelyn Egwuatu. Ms. Egwuatu, a resident of Uruagu in Nnewi, disclosed that she paid N200,000 to Ebelechukwu Uba, a resident of Anambra originally from Ebonyi who served as the middleman in the transaction.
This heart-wrenching case serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by innocent children and the urgent need for stronger measures to combat child trafficking and illegal adoption.
The Anambra government is committed to protecting the rights of children and ensuring their safety and well-being. Efforts will continue to be made to bring an end to these heinous practices and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
It is essential for communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or cases of child trafficking to the authorities. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all children, where they can grow and thrive without fear of exploitation or harm.
In the wake of this disturbing incident, let us not forget that every child deserves love, care, and protection. As a society, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard the welfare of our children and provide them with a safe and nurturing environment in which they can flourish. Let us stand united against child trafficking and ensure that the innocence of our children is preserved.