In response to a damning investigative report conducted by journalist Fisayo Soyombo, the Anambra State government has taken decisive action by sealing the Arrow Of God Community Children’s Home, situated in the Nkwelle Ezunaka area of Oyi Local Government.
The actions followed the documentary and multimedia story by ‘Fisayo Soyombo, the founder and editor-in-chief of FIJ, uncovering an insidious trend of baby sales at the orphanage after a 19-month investigation.
The report brought to light disturbing illegal activities within the orphanage, including the sale of babies, human trafficking, and unauthorised adoptions.
During a significant meeting with orphanage operators across the state, Ifeyinwa Obinabo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, expressed her deep concern over the revelations.
Obinabo asserted that it is an affront to human dignity for a reputable institution like the Arrow Of God Community Children’s Home to be implicated in such heinous acts, compromising the wellbeing and safety of the children under its care.
In an emotionally charged address, Commissioner Obinabo disclosed that the orphanage had been under investigation for several months, originating from Lagos State.
The revelations culminating from the investigation have led to the orphanage’s closure, branding the sale of babies and unlawful adoptions as the pinnacle of malevolence and cruelty.
Further revelations emerged during the meeting, as it was alleged that the Arrow Of God Community Children’s Home was in collaboration with a consultant based in Nnewi, engaging in unlawful adoptions and illicit transactions involving children.
The commissioner warned that similar investigations were underway concerning other orphanages suspected of similar criminal activities.
Moving forward, Obinabo announced that the government would institute impromptu visits to orphanages across the state, aimed at assessing the living conditions and overall welfare of the children within their care.
She emphasised the importance of orphanages maintaining valid and updated operational certificates to avoid punitive measures.
The Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) in Anambra State, Judith Chukwu, highlighted the broader implications of the orphanage’s actions.
Chukwu lamented that some unscrupulous orphanages were tarnishing the state’s reputation by engaging in inter-state trafficking of babies, which were subsequently sold for substantial sums.
Chukwu voiced concerns over the alarming trend of child abduction, revealing that such cases were pending in court.
She urgently called upon orphanage operators to eliminate the practice of baby trafficking among themselves, advocating for the apprehension and prosecution of offenders to serve as a deterrent.
Addressing the issue from the Ministry’s perspective, Daniel Ezeanwu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, acknowledged that numerous adoption cases had been forwarded to the Ministry from foreign embassies. However, these cases were declined due to the Ministry’s non-involvement in the adoption process.
Ezeanwu implored orphanage operators to adopt a new approach by submitting monthly activity reports to the Ministry.
He announced that the Ministry would initiate undercover inspections to ensure adherence to legal protocols.
In response, one of the orphanage operators, Senior Apostle Tobais Chidiebere Agocha, stressed that Motherless Babies’ Homes should not be perceived as profit centers.
He attributed the recent surge in illicit activities to the influx of overambitious individuals joining the sector. Agocha criticized the Arrow Of God Community Children’s Home for straying from ethical practices and urged the Commissioner to actively supervise orphanage operations to prevent similar deviations.
The closure of the Arrow Of God Community Children’s Home underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and regulation within the orphanage sector.
The Anambra State government’s response highlights its commitment to upholding the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children, and efforts are underway to restore integrity and legality to the care of orphaned and abandoned children across the state.
