Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Ebonyi government says it is committed to protecting the vulnerable, destitute persons and children in the state.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwamkpuma, announced this in Abakaliki on Saturday following an alleged N25 million baby sale.
Reports recall that a 37-year-old single mother, Susan Nweze, and her family, had alleged that her newborn baby boy was sold for N25 million by the state police command in collaboration with other security agencies and the Ministry.
Susan’s family petitioned the Force Zonal Headquarters of Police in Enugu, and the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in the zone invited the parties, including the Commissioner, who was asked to come along with the baby.
“Well, there has been speculations and reports in some section of the media that I was arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police in Enugu over the allegation.
“I want to state it clear that I was not arrested by the police. I was only invited by the Assistant Inspector-General, Enugu Zone, to come with the baby.
“I was interviewed and the AIG saw the baby boy. I would want to beg the public to believe in Ebonyi government through the ministry. The general public should keep their fate alive.
“Ebonyi government, led Gov Francis Nwifuru, is committed to the protection of the poor, vulnerable and the destitute children in the state.
“Yes, the police investigation on the alleged N25 million sale is ongoing, but I must tell you that the baby boy in question is under the care and supervision of the ministry.
“The people of Ebonyi should know that the present administration is for them. Those, who cannot take care of themselves, the government is here for them.
“The poor, vulnerable and destitute persons are all protected through the ministry,” the Commissioner stated.
She, however commended the security agencies for their support to the activities of the ministry, saying it had been “superb”.
“I, therefore urge the public to be moral and law abiding while giving up babies for adoption.
“Always follow the due process to avoid controversy during and after adoption,” Nwamkpuma advised.
