Ondo Police Uncover Baby Factory, Rescue Five Pregnant Teenagers
The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected baby factory in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, arresting one Ada Clement, operator of the illegal facility, and rescuing five pregnant underage girls held for exploitation.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said the discovery was made after a 17-year-old girl, Vivian Peter, from Akwa Ibom, escaped and reported the incident. She revealed that she had been lured to Ore under the pretense of a job offer but was taken to what turned out to be a baby-selling syndicate.
Upon investigation, police found that the suspect and her accomplices sold babies for ₦400,000 and above for girls and ₦600,000 and above for boys. One of the affected children had already delivered a baby boy, who is now under protective care.
Ayanlade confirmed that the state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a full investigation to ensure that all members of the trafficking ring are tracked down and prosecuted.
The police also assured that the rescued children are receiving medical care and psychosocial support while efforts continue to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.
This incident, coming weeks after another case of child sexual assault was reported in the same town, underscores the urgent need for stronger child protection systems and community vigilance to prevent trafficking and exploitation.
This case is a grave violation of children’s rights. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) guarantees protection from abduction, sale, and all forms of exploitation.
Every child has the right to be safe, valued, and protected from trafficking and abuse. Governments and communities must strengthen safeguards, ensure accountability, and create safe spaces where every child can grow in dignity.
