The Anambra State Government, led by the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has apprehended a 38-year-old woman, Chinyere Chukwu, for her attempt to sell her two sons. The arrest, which took place late Tuesday, was a direct response to a covert operation led by the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, alongside security operatives.
Chukwu, a resident of Okija in the Ihiala Local Government Area, admitted to her actions, citing severe economic hardship as her motivation. In a candid confession, she revealed that she was struggling to provide for her large family of 11 children. The decision to sell two of her sons, both boys, was made when she found herself unable to support them adequately. The asking price for the children was initially set at N1 million each, but after negotiation, it was agreed to lower it to a total of N1.8 million for both.
The case took a more shocking turn when Chukwu disclosed her inspiration for this heinous act. She was influenced by her neighbor, who had successfully sold one of her children. This incident marked Chukwu’s first foray into such illegal activities. The desperation in Chukwu’s actions was further illuminated by her admission that nine of her children were born after the death of her husband, making their upkeep a daunting task.
Chukwu’s eldest child, a 17-year-old daughter named Joy, also involved in the scheme, revealed that the proceeds from the sale were intended to fund her tertiary education.
Commissioner Obinabo, addressing this alarming issue, has taken decisive action. The remaining children of the suspect have been placed under the state government’s care to ensure their safety and well-being. Furthermore, Obinabo has committed to tracking down and apprehending the neighbor mentioned by Chukwu, as well as initiating efforts to locate and rescue the child already sold.
This incident has prompted a stern warning from Obinabo against such criminal activities. She emphasized the government’s determination to eradicate crimes like child trafficking, assuring that anyone found engaging in such acts will be promptly handed over to the police for prosecution.