The Akwa Ibom state Police Command Friday burst an illegal maternity home in Usung Atiat, Abak local government area and rescued pregnant women and infants.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, released Friday in Uyo indicated that the place was allegedly involved in child trafficking, unlawful medical practice, and impersonation.
According to the statement, the police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided the premises and arrested Patience Ene Jimmy, who was found harbouring seven pregnant women and five infants aged between two weeks and one year.
The statement partly read in part, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command raided the premises and arrested one Patience Ene Jimmy, ‘f’, who was found harbouring seven pregnant women and five infants aged between two weeks and one year, all from different parts of Akwa Ibom state.
“Further search led to the recovery of various medical supplies, including syringes, drip lines, herbs, and immunisation records, for which the suspect had no legal authorisation.
“The rescued women and children have been placed under protective care, while investigations are on-going to uncover other collaborators and ensure justice is served.”
Consequently, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to dismantling illegal activities endangering vulnerable individuals.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines: 09040000065 or 08020913810.