A three-week-old baby allegedly sold by her father has been rescued by the one Luke Chibueze Adonwe Human Foundation (LACH) in collaboration with the Nigeria Police in Ebonyi State. The baby was reportedly sold to a woman who has been childless for 25 years.
The Chief Executive Officer of LACH Foundation, Barrister Luke Adonwe, disclosed this in an interview at his office located at 14 Ojowere Street, Abakaliki, on Thursday.
He explained that the foundation discovered the shocking act after a distress call reached his office concerning a young woman whose baby had been sold under questionable circumstances.
According to him, upon tracing the woman and the baby, the foundation found that the mother was living in extremely poor conditions and had no shelter or food. “When we found her, she had no place to stay, not even food to eat.
“We immediately purchased bags of rice, garri, and other food items, as well as provided her with some money for upkeep,” Adonwe stated.
He further revealed that with the cooperation of the Nigeria Police, the husband of the woman, identified as Mr. Chukwuma Igwe Onwe, a patent medicine dealer at Ishieke Market, was apprehended alongside the woman who bought the baby.
“Both suspects are now cooling off in police custody,” he said, adding that the foundation will follow up the case to ensure justice is served.
Adonwe appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to assist the rescued mother and her baby in rebuilding their lives, emphasizing that the fight against human trafficking requires collective responsibility.
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Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that the suspect, Mr. Onwe, is currently in police custody and would soon be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
Expressing gratitude, the rescued woman thanked the LACH Foundation for their swift intervention and support. “It was a thing of joy, and I return all glory to God who used LACH Foundation to save my baby and me from the hands of human traffickers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Barrister Adonwe and his team later paid a familiarization visit to the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, where he outlined his vision to empower citizens through skills acquisition and social support.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mojibade Ekuma, pledged the ministry’s readiness to partner with LACH Foundation, while the Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Lauretta Igwe Nome, also promised to collaborate with the foundation to train Ebonyi residents to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economy.
