A three-week-old baby, allegedly sold by her father, has been rescued by the Luke Chibueze Adonwe Human Foundation (LACH) in collaboration with the Nigeria Police in Ebonyi State. Reports indicate that the infant was sold to a woman who has been childless for 25 years, highlighting the disturbing reach of human trafficking in some communities.
The Chief Executive Officer of LACH Foundation, Barrister Luke Adonwe, disclosed the rescue in an interview on Wednesday. He explained that the foundation became aware of the situation after receiving a distress call concerning a young woman whose baby had been sold under questionable circumstances.
“Upon tracing the woman and the baby, we found that the mother was living in extreme poverty,” Adonwe said. “She had no shelter, no food, and was in desperate need of support. When we found her, she had no place to stay, not even food to eat.”
In response, the foundation provided immediate relief to the mother and her child. Adonwe said, “We purchased bags of rice, garri, and other food items. We also provided her with some money to assist with her upkeep. Our priority was to ensure both mother and baby were safe and cared for.”
The foundation worked closely with the Nigeria Police to track down the suspects. The father, identified as Mr. Chukwuma Igwe Onwe, a patent medicine dealer at Ishieke Market, was apprehended alongside the woman who allegedly purchased the baby. Both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“Both suspects are now cooling off in police custody,” Adonwe said. “We will continue to follow up the case to ensure that justice is served. This is not just about rescuing one child; it is about sending a message that human trafficking will not be tolerated.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrests. He stated that Mr. Onwe would soon be charged to court following the completion of investigations. The police emphasized their commitment to tackling human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children in the state.
The rescued mother expressed immense gratitude to the foundation for their swift intervention. “It was a thing of joy, and I return all glory to God who used the LACH Foundation to save my baby and me from the hands of human traffickers,” she said.
Barrister Adonwe appealed to well-meaning individuals, community leaders, and organizations to assist in helping the rescued mother and her child rebuild their lives. He noted that the fight against human trafficking requires collective responsibility. “We cannot do this alone. Communities, families, and organizations must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support victims,” he said.
Human trafficking remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, often fueled by poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. Experts note that traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, for financial gain. Foundations like LACH play a critical role in identifying victims, providing immediate care, and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
This rescue serves as a reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by human traffickers and the importance of community vigilance. It also underscores the impact that swift intervention by dedicated organizations and authorities can have in saving lives and dismantling trafficking networks.
Authorities in Ebonyi State have urged citizens to remain alert, report any suspicious activities, and support efforts to protect vulnerable children and families from exploitation.
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